Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has today, 6th March 2018, recognised Kenville Horne, of St Vincent and the Grenadines as the 24th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his work instilling a sporting culture at a grassroots level in his community, and helps young people to build their skills through inclusive cricket and football.
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on 19-20 April, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Kenville is the founder of ‘The Kenville Horne Sports Academy’, which supports disadvantaged young people aged 6-17. By instilling a sporting culture at a grassroots level in his community, Kenville helps young people to build their leadership skills through inclusive cricket and football coaching sessions.
After being homeless at the age of 13 and associated with a local gang in Kingstown, Kenville turned his life around by finishing school and assisting sports classes in local primary schools. In 2011 he established the sports academy programme that has now helped over 285 young people to raise their confidence.
Kenville was presented by Her Majesty The Queen with a ‘Queen’s Young Leaders Award’ in 2015.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.
Kenville Horne said: “I am truly honoured to be recognized in this manner. The award is a validation of the work I am doing with kids in my community. It gives me the impetus to continue helping more youths.”
Janet Douglas, UK High Commissioner in St Vincent and the Grenadines said: Kenville is a shining example of what can be achieved through the commitment and dedication of volunteers around the Commonwealth.
Because of the work, he is doing a large number of young people have a positive role model to look up to and who supports them to fulfil their potential.
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace.
The Heads of Government meeting will bring together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.
