2012 Olympic Hero Presents Inaugural Ernest Bevin College Naz Bokhari Award
Olympic taekwondo bronze medalist Lutalo Muhammad presented the inaugural Ernest Bevin College Naz Bokhari Award to Imran Sanaullah.
Lutalo gave an inspirational speech to the sixth formers, before announcing the winner, he talked about his Olympic journey and achievements. He then presented Imran with a cheque for £500 to support him in his first year at university.
Lutalo and Imran posed for pictures with his Olympic medal and the bronze medalist had some words of encouragement/ advice for Imran. Lutalo said:
“I was delighted and honoured to be invited to this college to present such a prestigious award to a talented and distinguished young man. I went to the college to inspire young people like myself but I left feeling they had in-fact inspired me; more than ever. Tonight was truly a night to remember and I am happy I played a small part in honouring a great British Muslim this way.”
Imran was overjoyed to be the award winner and he said:
“Winning the ‘Naz Bokhari Award’ has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. At first when the award was being announced, I just though it was just another award that I would not win. But when my name was said, I can truly say that it was the first in my life that I have ever been speechless. It has also been the best surprise that I have ever been given, for which I would like to thank Ernest Bevin College, my teachers and especially the Naz Legacy Foundation. I now look forward to doing bigger and better things in the future with the help of the ‘Naz Legacy Foundation’.”
Sadiq Khan former pupil of Naz Bokhari said:
“I am delighted that the inaugural Naz Bokhari Award has been presented to such a fantastic student. Imran Sanaullah is a worthy recipient, and I wish him every success with his future.”
Naz Bokhari’s daughter, Hina Bokhari said:
“I think my father will be really proud of awarding the first pupil from Ernest Bevin College for their achievement in gaining university admission despite adversity. I am so grateful that Lutalo Muhammad had presented the award. My father inspired so many, just as the athletes this summer did. I hope the Naz Legacy Foundation can continue to make a positive difference.”
The Ernest Bevin College Naz Bokhari Award is an annual award for students who achieve university acceptance despite adversity, who had to strive harder than others due to personal or social issues. This award recognizes resilience and perseverance, qualities that Naz had and promoted. Nominated by their peers and teachers at the College, the winner is chosen by the Principals each year.
Mike Chivers and Rukhsana Sheikh, co-Principals of the College said:
“Imran is a very worthy recipient of the first Ernest Bevin College Naz Bokhari Award: he has worked hard and achieved his A Level grades enabling him to gain a place to study Law at the University of Westminster. However, he stood out not just for his academic achievement, but also for his commitment to helping others through his work with the College Council and other voluntary initiatives. We wish him and all the other young people who are graduating from Ernest Bevin College Sixth Form the very best for their future.”
Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council said:
‘I am certain that Imran will see the award as an honour, and quite rightly so because his hard work and dedication throughout the sixth form has impressed his peers and teachers and his work ethic has impressed the principals, Mike Chivers and Rukshana Sheikh sufficiently to pick Imran from competitive short list for this prize. I had the honour of knowing and working Naz Bokhari; Naz was deeply committed to aspiring young people to achieve their very best. He wanted young people to emulate his own example of striving for excellence in education and playing a full role in the British society. I wish Imran the success at university, and look forward to hearing about his future achievements.’
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said:
‘I am writing to congratulate you on the honour of receiving the first Ernest Bevin College Naz Bokhari Award. The award is named after Naz Bokhari OBE, the first Muslim headteacher in the UK. It symbolises the best values he promoted in his life; excellence in education and positive integration into British Society.’
