Special Olympics athlete Greg an Unsung Hero no more after award win
A Wolverhampton Special Olympics athlete has been named the Unsung Hero of the Third Sector Awards 2020.
The award, which celebrates an individual who makes a difference to the lives of others and who are not always recognised, was announced last week as part of a two-day virtual event.
Greg Silvester has voluntarily spent more than 30 years working for a more inclusive society, trying to break down barriers for people living with, and the stigma attached to, intellectual disabilities.
Fighting discrimination
From the age of 10, when Greg began training and competing in gymnastics with Special Olympics GB, he has devoted a huge amount of time to transforming the lives of people with intellectual disabilities as a volunteer, coach, ambassador, and – for nine years – as a Special Olympics GB board trustee, fighting discrimination and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds along the way.
Judges said that 30 years was an “outstanding commitment”.
On hearing he had won the award, he said: “Thank you Special Olympics GB for nominating me for this amazing award.
"I am happy and delighted to receive this. On behalf of all the volunteers who work extremely hard, thank you all very, very much.”
'I am absolutely thrilled'
Michelle Carney, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “I am absolutely thrilled Greg has been named this year’s Third Sector Unsung Hero.
"If anyone deserves recognition for the huge contribution they have made, and continue to make, to society it is Greg Silvester.
“Many thanks to Third Sector for choosing Greg to receive this award. It is very much appreciated.
"Greg really does encapsulate the true meaning of an unsung hero. He never ceases to amaze and inspire everyone he meets, and we are all so proud of him at Special Olympics GB.”
