Kick It Out ambassador Ikram recognised at Muslim News Awards for Excellence

Wednesday 24 Apr 2013
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Kick It Out ambassador Dr Ikram Butt received an award for his positive contribution to sport and community development in the UK and abroad at the Muslim News Awards for Excellence on Monday (22 April).

The 11th Muslim News Awards for Excellence, Britain’s longest standing Muslim awards event, saw over 500 guests in attendance at London’s Grosvenor House to recognise the contribution made to British society by the Muslim community.

Upon being presented with the Faezeh Hashemi Sports Award, Ikram commented: “I’m honoured and delighted to be receiving this award at such a prestigious event. I would like to accept this award on behalf of the many individuals and communities who work tirelessly throughout, bringing out a positive change and making a difference.”

Ahmed J Versi, editor of The Muslim News, said in his welcoming speech: “The awards ceremony showcases the brilliance of the British Muslim community – huge contributions made by diverse men, women and young people from around the country. We are celebrating talents in our community, not only excelling in their respective professions but also contributing to the society.”

Guest of Honour at the event, justice secretary Chris Grayling, said: “I am pleased and honoured to be taking part in this year’s Muslim News Award ceremony, celebrating the achievements of some real role models in our community. This is a great chance to recognise their valuable contribution to citizenship and to British life.”

Special guests included shadow chancellor Ed Balls, attorney general Dominic Grieve, deputy leader of Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes and shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan.
They were joined by civic and religious leaders, as well as representatives from the worlds of politics, business, sport and the arts, to honour unsung heroes and heroines of the community.

Prime minister David Cameron, who was not able to attend, sent a video message congratulating the nominees and winners, adding it was “humbling to see the level of talents and commitment in each category. Muslims make an enormous contribution to Britain whether it be in religion, business, the arts, academia, the local community, sport or in countless other areas.

“Every nominee has achieved excellence in their own right but a common thread that shines throughout is how their achievements have strengthened Britain as a whole, men, women and children who selflessly have given up their time, promoting Islamic values of peace and unity for the benefit of us all.”

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