THE Bambisanani Partnership has appointed Andy Lockwood, professional development manager at the University of Leeds, as a trustee. Andy became involved in the partnership in 2014 and visited South Africa in 2015 with students and staff from St Mary’s School, Menston.

Inspired by the visit, Andy wasted little time in organising a visit for students from the University of Leeds to South Africa to further develop the work of the Bambisanani Partnership, a multi-award winning charity which uses sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas.

The visit, in June 2016, introduced a leadership programme to over 100 junior school children and pioneered a unique cycling programme (Cycling for Success) at Mnyakanya School.

Andy has worked tirelessly with the Bambisanani team over the past two years and has made a significant contribution to forging the partnership with the University. His personal commitment to fundraising has been amazing and last year he ran the 127 miles of the Leeds Liverpool canal route.

Andy said:“Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of working with the partnership, initially as a sponsored guest and more recently as a fully-fledged project partner through my role at the University of Leeds. I can quite honestly say that the partnership has had a profound effect on me as an individual and the way in which I view the world. Through my visit with the partnership in 2015 and the delivery of my own project in 2016, I have seen the positive effect the partnership’s work has on the young people and communities it comes into contact with, whether it be supporting young people in South Africa to develop their leadership and coaching skills or supporting our students to develop their skills and broaden their horizons. The charity has an impact upon everyone it comes into contact with. It continues to leave a lasting and growing legacy both in Kwa Zulu Natal and Leeds. It is something that the charity should be very proud of. Sport has an amazing power to change and enrich the lives of young people and this is something that I am incredibly passionate about. I am committed not only through my role at the University of Leeds but personally to the continual development of this work and the good that it does. I believe that my passion and experience will help to develop the partnership further and that I will be able to contribute to its ongoing success. It is a great honour to be appointed to the Board of Trustees and I look forward to playing my part in this amazing charity.”

Chairman of the Bambisanani Partnership, David Geldart said: “Andy is an outstanding young man who has gained national recognition for his work in Sport Development and Leadership. He has demonstrated great commitment and personal investment to the partnership and has the vision and enthusiasm to make a significant contribution to the charity, both strategically and operationally. Andy is both a fantastic team player and leader and it is a privilege for us to have him on board.”

Andy will join founder trustees David Geldart, Darren Beardsley, Katie Campbell, Barbara Pounder and Diane Maguire on the board.