Nominated by the Humber Sports Partnership Steven Smith is being passed on the baton from 2013 Shining Light Johanna Billingsley. 

In 2010 Steven found himself unemployed after 30 years working in the travel industry after the company he worked for closed their offices. After 18 months of searching for another job Steven became involved in volunteering after hearing a local radio station talking about sports volunteering in the local community.

Steven attended a Sports Makers event run by the Humber Sports Partnership and has never looked back. After assisting at the local Badminton Centre in Hull Steven went on to complete First Aid training, Safeguarding and Protecting Children training and Delivery Engaging sessions training.

As a direct result of the volunteering at the Badminton Centre Steven came up with the concept of the Hull Corporate Cup, which is a tournament designed to encourage decision makers in the Hull and East Riding business community to enter teams for a friendly sporting contest aimed at helping team building, promoting an aspect of health, fitness and well being, but most of all to have fun and enjoy the day. It invites all recreational players who are currently employed by any company in the Hull & East Riding Business community to enter a team of five.

Originally Steven became a volunteer to try and improve his job search, but it has become more important to give something back to the local community, and alongside the Corporate Cup Steven has also marshalled on the Olympic Relay through the Hull area in 2012, in 2012 and 2013 he marshalled on the Jane Tomlinson Hull 10k race, and in June 2013, Steven assisted at the Hull School Games were young schoolchildren came together and enjoyed a day of sporting, which he will also be doing this year.

The Hull Corporate Cup continues to be success and the number of teams now competing on an annual basis has grown year on year. In addition to this Steven also works with young people across the schools network to promote sports volunteering and supporting young people into volunteering at school and in their local communities.

Steven has come out of a negative situation of being made redundant and been an inspiration and a much needed volunteer in the Hull area. His drive and enjoyment for sports volunteering is infectious and the Humber Sports Partnership truly believes he should be recognised and celebrated for his commitment and dedication.

Commenting on his involvement with Community Games, Steven commented, “I enjoy encouraging and supporting individuals to develop their skills, meet new people and make new friends through participating in sport. My great desire and delight is in helping people become fitter and healthier through sport participation. By sparing a small amount of time, I can make a difference in a person’s life, a difference that could open the doors to a multitude of different opportunities, a difference that can be life changing, a difference that comes back to you for volunteering that small amount of time, showing that little bit of interest, giving that little bit of guidance, support and encouragement. 

Volunteering is good for everyone and it makes you feel good as well.”