Marcus Rashford scoops special Sports Personality award recognising incredible achievements off the field
MARCUS RASHFORD has been honoured with a Special Award at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year bash.
The Manchester United star has gone above and beyond this year, leaving no stone unturned in his bid to see the government feed hungry children in the UK.
The Special Award has been made on behalf of the judging panel in recognition of Rashford’s exceptional impact outside of sport, in which he successfully campaigned for free school meals for kids during school holidays.
Picking up the award, Rashford said: “I’ve always had this thing that eats at me, saying ‘make sure you make a difference for the next generation’.
“And I think as a country we should always protect them as much as we can and give them the best chance at life and becoming whatever it is that they want to become.”
He then added: “For me, everything I get through doing what I’ve done, it will all sit in her house, and sit where she can see it every day because she’s the person who, in difficult circumstances, brought me up to become a person that has morals and my friends will tell you, that I’ve not changes at all since they remember me.
“It’s important to me that they sit in her home and that she can see them every day.”
And Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: “Marcus’ endeavour to give a voice to those who find themselves in a situation that he too is familiar with has been greatly admired and the panel wanted to ensure he was recognised for that.
“In a year that has been challenging for everyone, but particularly vulnerable families, he has gone above and beyond to transcend his sport and make a real difference.
“This award is a tribute to a remarkable young man.”
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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson appeared at the bash in person, having been nominated for the main award, and described his Man United rival’s work as ‘incredible’.
Rashford, 23, wasn’t included in the main category, as SPOTY rules state that nominations must be based on ‘sporting achievement’.
The England striker was named the Pride of Britain earlier this year after the success of his campaign to extend free school meals.
And he has also launched the Marcus Rashford Book Club which is aimed at encouraging youngsters to read – especially those from vulnerable and under privileged backgrounds.
As well as his remarkable achievements off it, Rashford has also excelled on the pitch this year.
United’s No10 helped his side to a stunning 6-2 victory over Leeds United earlier today.
And the Red Devils now sit third in the Premier League and just five points behind leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand.
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