Sporting Equals Associate Members Black History Month Blog Series: Perfecting Potential

As part of Black History Month we will be spotlighting today Perfecting Potential, community organisation who highlight their work, how they used the Sport England Tackling Inequalities fund to deliver engagement in sport and physical activity from the Black Community and more as we speak to Marvin Walker from Perfecting Potential!

1.What is the name of your organisation and how long have you been running for?

Perfecting Potential, we began serving our community back in 2017 so we have been active and running for 4 years.
 

2.Where is your organisation based?

Enfield, London.
 

3.Have you received Sport England Tackling Inequalities funding? If Yes how was the funding used to support service users from the Black Community?

Yes, we were funded by the Sport England Tackling Inequalities Fund. Our funding was used to offer free football sessions so participants get access to great facilities and they could keep fit in a safe and positive environment.

 

4.What have been the challenges you have faced in supporting the physical health and wellbeing needs of the Black community in your area? 

If the Black community had a hub, somewhere they felt at home, I think that would help. So, I would say facilities is a big issue in supporting with physical health and wellbeing.

 

5.What have been the successes you have felt and seen in supporting the physical health and wellbeing needs of the Black community in your area?

Building the community. There's an opportunity for people to meet new faces in the area. People come together and socialise with new and existing friends.

 

6.If you were to name a Black sporting role model who would you pick and why?

Currently Lewis Hamilton, breaking through in a sport where you don't see many Black people and having to overcome a lot of obstacles and barriers to become a champion and also staying consistent whilst at the top. This is something that I find inspiring and feel he embodies the characteristics that we as a community can appreciate and celebrate.

 

7.Do you feel representation of Black athletes in elite sports make a difference to on the ground delivery? Do young people and the wider community feel more inspired and why?

I think it always makes a difference on the ground if you can point out a Black sports professional who has made it to the top of the game. A lot of young people I work with get inspired by people who they have something in common with and colour may be the only thing sometimes.

 

Find out more about Sporting Equals' Associate Members here.