Local Exeter HITZ stars to be recognised at 2022 Awards Night

By Mark Stevens
16/11/22

Incredible individuals from Exeter Chiefs are to have their achievements on and off the pitch recognised at the Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2022 on 22 November at Twickenham Stadium.

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives. Working with more than 2,000 14–24-year-olds across England every year, the programme is supported by CVC, Wooden Spoon and East Head Impact, with Central YMCA as the programme’s official education provider.

Participants on the programme learn in an environment different to mainstream education where rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the heart of the delivery. The result is life changing.

Shortlisted from Chiefs in three of the four award categories are individuals with stories of self-discipline, commitment and courage beyond measure. They have worked against all odds to improve their own lives or the lives of others within an inclusive environment of the HITZ family.

Aron Struminski, Senior Community Manager from Exeter Chiefs commented; “We know how tough the competition is in these awards as there are so many compelling stories of success across all the clubs. For Kaci, Ryan and Andy to be shortlisted is a huge achievement and we are incredibly proud of them all. We continue to see a determination and desire like never before from our young people like Kaci and Ryan to improve their lives, and we couldn’t help them progress positively without the unwavering support of people like Andy. No matter what happens on the night, they are already our winners!”

EXETER CHIEFS SHORTLISTED NOMINEES

Kaci Leworthy is shortlisted for the Physical Activity Award. This recognises a young person for their progress and development towards leading a more active and healthier lifestyle both on the HITZ programme and in their personal lives.

Kaci who has Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome had a frustrating time at school and college but flourished in the inclusive community. Fearless in her rugby and committed to her fitness goals she cemented a place at Topsham RFC Ladies. Now with a passion for a career as a PE teacher Kaci aims to inspire the next generation of young women.

Andy Bassett is shortlisted for the Champion Award. This award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support HITZ participants to overcome their personal barriers. They may be a member of the HITZ team or the local community.

Andy, as an owner of three businesses and with an empathetic nature, has been able to offer his skills to create an apprenticeship programme open to all HITZ learners. He not only carves out career pathways, provides job prospects and helps secure employment he has looked after the well-being of young people and instigated initiatives to provide crucial equipment.

Ryan Laffin is shortlisted for the Young Achiever Award. This recognises and rewards a young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training or employment.

Ryan navigated his way through a volatile time in care for the 10 years prior to joining the HITZ programme and struggled with education. Exclusion at school and severe learning difficulties proved detrimental to his life chances. Once at HITZ he started to engage, improve social interactions and was able to regulate his mental health to get back on a road to independence whilst volunteering in the community.