University of Leeds Team Recognised with Award for Global Impact
Bambisanani Partnership collaborators at the University of Leeds have recently been recognised with a special award for ‘Global Impact’ for their Gryphons Abroad project.
The annual Partnership Awards at the university acknowledge staff, groups and programmes which contribute to making sure students have outstanding, positive and impactful experiences during their time at Leeds. The award for global impact celebrates initiatives with an international and intercultural focus.
The university of Leeds team were nominated for the award by a student volunteer (Tracy Campbell) who participated in their 2024 visit to South Africa. 2,749 nominations were submitted for the awards in total with Gryphons Abroad winning their faculty round (Professional Services) before scooping the University wide award at a gala dinner last month.
Last summer, a team of 7 students and 3 staff (including Tracy) delivered cycling clinics, sport and leadership across 4 fantastic weeks in Kwa Zulu Natal. Their work supported the ongoing interventions of the Bambisanani Partnership & KZN Cycling in the region. Across the four weeks, the team engaged with 12 partner organisations in the UK and South Africa, mobilising 1,387 participations in sport and cycling. Students created memories and friendships, as well as developing transferable graduate level skills. The staff team provided 486 hours of training and support to the students. You can read more about Tracy’s experience as part of the Gryphons Abroad team here.
“We were absolutely thrilled to be nominated by one of our students for the Global Impact Award. Since our Gryphons Abroad project started in 2016, more than 100 staff and students have been part of the programme, enabling 8,000 young people to learn to ride and maintain bikes in rural South Africa. Each individual has contributed in their own way, and we know from experience the lasting impact sport can have on the lives of our students. This award recognises that impact as well as the impact in South Africa.” Suzzi Garnett, Gryphons Abroad project coordinator, University of Leeds.
Tracy Campbell
David Geldart from the Bambisanani Partnership added, “As a member of the University of Leeds Alumni I receive regular updates regarding the amazing innovative work that the university is engaged in internationally so this really is an outstanding achievement to be selected above all others to receive this award. Huge thanks must go to Andy Lockwood and Suzzie Garnet who have led on this amazing work.”
The team are hoping for another win this awards season with Tracy also shortlisted for the ‘Great volunteer’ Award at the Yorkshire University Sports Awards this month. The Gryphons Abroad project will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026 and the team are already planning something special to recognise all of the staff and students who have contributed to the project's ongoing success.
See related articles:
