WIREDGOV

The Jubilee Sailing Trust have picked up the coveted Best Sport Project award at the star-studded National Lottery Awards 2014 ceremony. 

The Southampton-based charity, which received £6 million of National Lottery investment from Sport England to widen its appeal, brings together men and women of all physical abilities through the adventure and challenge of sailing aboard two very special tall ships, Lord Nelson and Tenacious.

Crew members are taught vital sailing skills during the voyages, as well as important life skills. As well as building people’s confidence in working as part of a team, the Jubilee Sailing Trust also improves employment opportunities by teaching other life skills.

Paralympic medallist Ade Adepitan enjoyed a day out on the water on one of the Trust’s ships and during the visit surprised them with the news of their win. 

Duncan Souster, Chief Executive of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, said: “We are a small charity trying to get our message out and reach as many people as possible who could benefit from our work.  We very much hope on the back of our Awards success that hundreds of people who had not heard of us before will get the chance to take part in one of our voyages.”

The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK's favourite Lottery funded projects. National Lottery players raise £33 million each week for projects all across the UK and the Awards highlight how that funding has changed the UK for the better.

Congratulating the project, Sport England Director of Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: “I’m delighted that the Jubilee Sailing Trust has won Best Sport Project at this year’s Awards. The scheme is making such a difference to people’s lives by breaking down barriers and promoting cooperation between people of all physical abilities to sail through the challenges on the open seas.”

In addition to the Lottery funding they have already been awarded, the winners will each receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project.

Presented by John Barrowman and with a host of celebrity presenters, including jewellery designer Jade Jagger, Springwatch’s Chris Packham and Masterchef’s John Torrode, the Awards will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday 19 September at 10.45pm. Tune in to see the amazing work of the Jubilee Sailing Trust and the other 2014 National Lottery Awards winners