Former Welsh boxing star and world champion Steve Robinson took the spotlight for a fireside chat. He showed off his championship belts and shared some inspiring stories about perseverance, resilience, and triumph to engage the audience. A bunch of excited kids lined up to meet him, which really showed how connected his past victories were to their dreams for the
future.
Champions Unite 2024
On 27 September 2024, the WEDSA Champions Unite event brought together winners, sporting icons, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of ethnic minority athletes and inspire future generations. Held at the Cardiff City Stadium, this dynamic networking event was organized by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), under the leadership of Rajma Begum, National Sports Diversity Manager. Building on the success of the inaugural Wales Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (WEDSA) in 2023, this event served as a platform for reflection, celebration, and conversations about diversity and inclusion in Welsh sports.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, CEO of WCVA. As she praised the accomplishments of the 2023 winners, she also emphasised the critical role of WEDSA in fostering inclusivity. While setting the tone for the night of inspiration, she mentioned that, “This event is not just about recognition but about creating a lasting impact on the Welsh sports community”.
Memorable Highlights
Fireside Chat with Steve Robinson
Funmi Oduwaiye's Parisian Paralympic Journey
The 2023 Sportswoman of the Year, Funmi Oduwaiye, shared her extraordinary experience at the Paris Paralympics. She tallked the immense support she got from the crowd and emphasized that her journey really showed the power of community and determination.
Kimberley Mpukusa's A Trailblazing Tennis Journey
Tennis star Kimberley Mpukusa is breaking barriers as the first Black woman to be ranked No. 1 in Wales. She shared a heartfelt story about her journey while mentioning all the sacrifices her family made. She also said how important culturally sensitive coaching has been for her success. Her account really struck a chord with the audience, showing just how powerful inclusive mentorship can be.
