THE Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is searching for inspirational local stars of community sport from Solihull to be amongst the faces of an upcoming advertising campaign.
Organisers are asking people to nominate their ‘Hometown Heroes’ who deserve to be recognised for making a difference to their communities by dedicating their lives to grassroots sport.
Nominees could be an inspiring coach, dedicated volunteer, courageous player or diehard supporter, or anyone who’s had a real impact on their sport club, team or facility.
Nominations are open now at www.birmingham2022.com/hometownheroes – the best will be chosen to feature on billboard adverts across the region in 2021, as the countdown to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begins.
The campaign aims to celebrate and represent the rich diversity of the West Midlands by recognising people who go above and beyond to encourage participation in sport and exercise in the region.
The Hometown Heroes billboard campaign is the next phase of a wider nationwide campaign launching this month, featuring Team England superstars from a range of sports hoping to compete for gold in two years’ time.
Hometown Heroes from Solihull can be connected to any sport, not just those included in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022, said: “The West Midlands has sport running through its veins, whether that’s elite competition or grassroots participation, and it’s really important to celebrate both. That’s why I am so excited by this campaign.
“By making these Hometown Heroes the stars of an upcoming Birmingham 2022 advertising campaign, we are saying clearly that we are the Games for Everyone, and a celebration of sport at every level.
“Solihull is already central to the Games, hosting badminton, boxing, table tennis, weightlifting and boxing at the NEC. This campaign is another way for the stars of community sport to be a part of the Games, too.”
Birmingham 2022 has selected its first Hometown Hero to kick off the campaign. He’s Ricardo D’Alva a coach at City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club, where he coaches beginners and elite players aged from eight to 18.
He said: “It is such an honour to be a Hometown Hero because it shows I’ve been able to have a huge positive impact on the young people I coach.
“The club represents the diversity of Birmingham and brings the community together, takes young people off the streets and gives them a positive focus in life.”
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