It’s Volunteers’ Week and we’re looking back at some of the inspiring volunteers that were recognised at our Wales Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (WEDSA).
The Wales Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (WEDSA) recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of ethnically diverse individuals and communities in sport and physical activity across Wales.
In 2025 we shone a spotlight on an area that sits at the heart of inclusive sport, volunteering. The Volunteer of the Year award celebrates those who give their time, energy, and passion to ensure sport in Wales is welcoming, representative, and accessible to all.
WHY VOLUNTEERING MATTERS IN SPORT
Volunteers and are the backbone of grassroots sport. They open doors, create safe spaces, and inspire others to take part, often without recognition or reward. At WEDSA 2025, we honoured individuals whose commitment goes beyond participation, using sport as a powerful tool for community-building, inclusion, and social change.
OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
The Volunteer of the Year award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and made a significant impact in promoting ethnic diversity and inclusivity within sport through volunteering. Nominees show leadership, innovation, and a consistent commitment to ensuring sport is a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Winner: Tamjid Miah
Tamjid Miah, a founding member of the Bengal Dragons Foundation, was named WEDSA 2025 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his long-standing commitment to community sport and development. Since the organisation’s early days as a football club showcasing Bangladeshi talent in Wales, Tamjid has played a vital role in its growth and day-to-day delivery.
A passionate sports enthusiast and keen golfer, Tamjid has supported the foundation’s Midnight Ramadan Golf sessions since 2022, combining sport, faith, and community connection. Alongside coaching roles with both Bengal Dragons and Caerau Ely, he now focuses on developing young athletes through weekly training sessions. His dedication, humility, and belief in others make him a powerful role model in Welsh grassroots sport.
Finalist: Awara Rasul
For more than 20 years, Awara Rasul has been a pillar of support for sanctuary seekers and refugees in Cardiff. His volunteering spans sport, education, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
Awara runs a welcoming internet café that acts as a safe hub for newly arrived individuals seeking connection and support. He coaches a diverse football club bringing young people together across cultures, while also volunteering at a Kurdish school to help children stay connected to their language and identity. Known for never turning anyone away, Awara provides translation, housing support, and guidance through complex systems. His work was recognised nationally in 2025 with two Nation of Sanctuary Awards, reflecting the profound impact he continues to have on countless lives.
Finalist: Nazrul Islam
Nazrul Islam is a dedicated volunteer who uses sport to promote wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging. Through his leadership with the Bengal Dragons Foundation and other grassroots initiatives, Naz has created safe and welcoming spaces for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Naz has been instrumental in removing barriers to participation for ethnic minority communities, developing initiatives such as Ramadan football sessions and innovative youth programmes. Beyond organising sport, he mentors young people, helping them develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. His collaborative approach has built strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organisations across Wales.
CELEBRATING THE IMPACT
The Volunteer of the Year finalists use sport as a force for good. Each individual demonstrates how inclusion, commitment and community spirit can transform lives.
WEDSA 2025 was not just a celebration of achievement, but a recognition of the everyday actions that build a more inclusive sporting Wales, led by volunteers who are shaping the future.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEERING?
The stories of WEDSA’s volunteers show just how powerful giving time can be. From coaching and mentoring to supporting events and grassroots clubs, volunteering plays a vital role in making sport more inclusive, welcoming and representative.
Anyone inspired by the finalists and winners is encouraged to explore how they can get involved themselves. Volunteering Wales has a wide range of opportunities across sport, health, community and youth work.
Together, by volunteering time, skills and passion, people across Wales can help build stronger, fairer and more inclusive sporting communities for future generations.
VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK
1-7 June 2026 is Volunteers’ Week, the annual UK-wide campaign to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
We’ll be joining the rest of the UK to celebratevolunteers, reflect, appreciate, and most importantly say thank you. Find out more about how to get involved in Volunteers’ Week 2026.
