A poignant poem recognising the contribution of seven inspirational people to sport has been revealed at four sporting locations, as part of The National Lottery’s 30th birthday celebrations.
Created by world-renowned Scottish contemporary artist and poet Robert Montgomery, the moving work marks 30 years of The National Lottery and its support of sport and was unveiled by broadcaster Clare Balding with a dramatic reading
Each verse of the poem highlights the unique journey and passion of one of the seven individuals, including local boxing coach Damian Kennedy, to recognise their extraordinary impact on both grassroots and elite level sport with the help of National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for good causes.
As a legendary broadcaster and one of the most recognisable faces on our TV screens , Clare Balding delivered a powerful reading of the poem and has joined The National Lottery in celebrating and congratulating the Game Changers and drawing attention to the thousands of projects supported by UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, sportscotland and Sport Wales.
Damian Kennedy is being honoured amongst the Game Changers for his instrumental and transformative role within boxing in Northern Ireland. A verse paying tribute to his leadership was unveiled on the canvas of a ringin the Ulster Boxing High Performance Centre in Ulster University Sports Village, home to The Sport Northern Ireland Sports Institute..
Damian first opened a boxing club with two friends in their local area in Toomebridge in the 1990s. The club served as more than just sports arena but became the heartbeat of the local community, helping kids from the local area to stay out of trouble and give them a sense of achievement. His approach to boxing centres around a combination of technical excellence and the importance of both mental and physical preparation.
He was appointed as the Head Coach for Team Northern Ireland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has had a monumental impact on the success of the Northern Irish team.
Team NI topped the medal standings at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, taking home 5 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.
Kennedy also played a crucial role in helping Ireland qualify 10 boxers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Clare Balding said: “Sport is about so much more than winning a gold medal, it’s about the impact it has on our lives. That’s why I’m honoured to be a part of championing these seven outstanding people who have truly changed the game in their sports and communities. Sport unites people across borders, bridges divides, and ignites the human spirit, reminding us that through perseverance, teamwork, and passion, we can achieve greatness beyond the limits we once believed impossible.
“The Game Changers exemplify the transformative power of sport – and the role The National Lottery has played in making their achievements possible has been vital. Northern Ireland has produced some of the world’s most talented boxers and it is amazing to see part of the poem on display in the ring were these athletes hone their talents.”
Damian Kennedy added: “Winning gold at this year’s Olympics is testament to the incredible transformation that Irish boxing has undergone over the past decade, and the hard work that both coaches and athletes have put in. With support from The National Lottery, we’ve not only been able to create Olympians but be there for ordinary kids growing up who need the sense of belonging that being part of a boxing club brings. Boxing clubs across Ireland are the heartbeat of communities and it is great that this is being recognised.”
Richard Archibald, Interim Chief Executive, Sport Northern Ireland said: “The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday is a significant milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past three decades. At Sport NI we are passionate about maximising the power of sport to change lives. National Lottery funding has had a game changing impact on sport in Northern Ireland, helping us to create Olympic, Paralympic and World champions across many different disciplines. In addition, we have invested in thousands of grassroots projects and initiatives aimed at encouraging lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity with a view to delivering a more active and healthy society.
“Northern Ireland has long punched above its weight in boxing and we have the medals and belts to prove it. Damian Kennedy has been a key part of that success and a huge influence on the sport at a local and international level. Damian and the rest of the Game Changers epitomise the power of sport and we are proud to honour their remarkable achievements, so beautifully reflected in Robert Montgomery’s poem”.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people – Game Changers – who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.
The Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners.
28 Game Changers will be revealed in September and October at four installations which will focus on an area of National Lottery funding including, the arts & film, heritage, sport and community.
The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on 31 December.
The seven sport Game Changers announced today were selected as examples of dedicated, inspiring, high achieving individuals who have had a transformative impact on their sport, and a transformative impact on their wider communities and society.
For 30 years, money raised by National Lottery players has helped create extraordinary sporting moments that have inspired the nation and helped to transform lives and communities through physical activity and the power of sport.
Since 1994, more than £189 million has been awarded to support elite and grassroots sport projects in Northern Ireland..
Providing vital funding into elite and grassroots sport, National Lottery players support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes to live their dreams and make the nation proud, as well as providing more opportunities for people to take part in sport.
For the last 30 years no one has done more to change the game in the UK than National Lottery players. But we are just getting started, could National Lottery funding make you the next Game Changer in your community? Find out more here: https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers