Yorkshire’s unsung heroes were propelled into the spotlight last week as the Hamara Awards returned for a sixth year to commend the county’s community stalwarts.
Hamara Community Awards branded this year’s event as – ‘Celebrating Success’, and once again aimed to recognise the contribution of individuals or groups who continue to have a positive influence on the region.
Joined by representatives of high profile sports teams, such as Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, individuals received their accolades in front of a packed audience at Aagrah Midpoint.
Habib Khan, speaking on behalf of the event organisers, said he wanted to make the night the ‘biggest yet’.
“When we were organising this year’s awards, we knew we had to make it bigger than any of its predecessors,” he said.
“With so much happening in Yorkshire right now, from the sport teams’ successes in cricket and rugby, to the opening of The Broadway Shopping Centre, the opening of the New John Lewis Centre in Leeds, White Rose Shopping Centre opening a new Cinema Complex in 2016 and the Capital of Culture Bid for Leeds, we decided to theme the event as the ‘Celebrating Success’.
“Every winner thoroughly deserved their award on the night.”
Amongst the entertainment on show were Bollywood dancers, previous Hamara Award winner Bethany Hare, and a young 10-year-old performer.
Guests also witnessed a specially organised boxing match between guests, Ikram Butt and Starr Zaman, who were themselves surprised on the night with the activity.
“The awards were our most successful yet and guests certainly enjoyed themselves as well as the award winners,” Habib added.
“A big thank you must go out to all those who helped make the night possible this year.”
Six main awards were handed out including the: Women’s Achievement Award (Halima Khan), Community Organisation of the Year (LASSN), Young Person (Maryam Ali), Service to the Community (Caroline Whitehead), Lifetime Achievement (Gurdev Dahele) MBE, and Special Initiative (Haroon Jehan Foundation).
Sponsors of this year’s event included: Asian Express newspaper, ITC, White Rose Shopping Centre, South Leeds Academy, Yorkshire CCC and Islamic Relief. We Look forward to Hamara Community Awards 2016.
