The Boxing Academy won the Education and Training category at the Charity Awards 2016. Its chief executive Anna Cain recalls the process and the feeling of winning.
It was more than a year ago now that, out of the blue, I received a letter from Civil Society Media inviting me to apply for their annual Charity Awards.
I thought "why not?" The application form was straightforward and to the point, a bit like writing a funding application (the ones that limit you to 200 words for each section) and I was able to apply relatively easily.
I then promptly forgot about it and was surprised to see our name tweeted out on the shortlist months later. However the judging panel was a different level; I don't think I’ve ever been given such a grilling, and so nicely, by people who understand the sector so well.
After giving a presentation and answering questions for half an hour I left thinking that even if we weren't successful it was a really challenging and insightful process, and if we did win, well then we really deserved it.
‘Stunned to win’
At the Mermaid Theatre we were stunned to hear the Boxing Academy announced as winners, and against such a quality field.
We had a party of staff and board members present and it was very gratifying for me to be able to acknowledge their contribution publicly.
All charities struggle at times with feeling isolated and under-appreciated so this was a timely injection of positivity for our staff and a wonderful way to thank to our supporters. And of course, we have a winner’s logo on our website now!
Anna Cain is chief executive of the Boxing Academy
Civil Society Media's Charity Awards are the longest-running and most respected awards in the charity sector. They are open to any charity which can demonstrate best practice in their field. The awards are currently open to entry. For more information, or to make an application, click here.
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