The Mumtaz Ellahi Community Coach of the year Award
Hashmat and Janet Faqiri
This award is given to individuals who have helped to bring cultures and communities together through sport.
The husband and wife team of Hashmat, 48 and Janet Faqiri, 53 epitomize this in more ways than one.
They started the Faqiri's martial Arts club in 1997 and it was based at Deepdale Juniors School, Preston before moving to the Catherine Becket Centre. At one stage they were working at both sites and the club was attracting over 35 children.
But the group soon grew in size and reputation and now on a weekly basis the couple work with over sixty youngsters aged from 4 upwards.
What makes Hashmat special though is how they have helped to train World, North American and British champions. The couple have also set-up a football since 1997 established the Britannia Sports in the Community.
"We set this up to help youngsters and to stop them from hanging around on street corners. “Our aim has always been to see people from different parts of town gather together through sport.
Over the years the couple have worked with over 2,000 youngsters.
Whilst Hashmat, who is presently aiming to gain his sixth degree Black belt in Taekwondo and Karate, passes on his skill and knowledge to young people his wife Janet remains the foundations of the club.
Janet has always been in the background helping to ensure that the club's have run efficiently and she has done alongside her extensive volunteer work within the wider community.
Fusion is therefore proud to present this year's Mumtaz Ellahi Community Coach of the Year Award to Hashmat and Janet Faqiri.