The Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) Recognition and Appreciation Awards 2025 took place at the Glasgow Marriott on Thursday 28 August.
The annual awards celebrate and applaud the commitment, efforts, progress, achievements and triumphs of unsung heroes across minority ethnic communities in Scotland.
Sports for All Award
SEMSA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association) won the Sports for All Award, sponsored by sportscotland.
The Sport for All award recognises individuals, groups and/or organisations who are encouraging the participation of minority ethnic communities in sport by addressing inequalities, reducing barriers to participation and raising health awareness.
SEMSA was established in 1990 due to the lack of provisions available to minority ethnic communities in Glasgow. Since its inception, SEMSA has created and provided culturally sensitive sporting opportunities to the community.
The organisation recognises the need to challenge and tackle inequality, racism and discrimination in the field of sport as a core element of its work. They have established a range of programmes and initiatives, such as hillwalking, a summer academy, coaching/capacity building programmes, badminton programmes, and national football and badminton competitions.
SEMSA badminton a hit!
SEMSA badminton club welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and ethnicity with the aim of bringing people together from all over the world to share their love of the game. The club has players from Scotland, England, Ireland, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Spain, Greece, Barbados, Nigeria and even Australia!
In addition to two weekly women’s badminton groups and a mixed group on Sundays, a key event on the calendar is the SEMSA’s yearly women’s badminton tournament in association with Badminton Scotland.
This year’s tournament was held on 22 June at the Sir Craig Reedie Badminton Centre in Glasgow. Over 50 participants attended from Perthshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayrshire, all contributing to the growing sense of community and a lively and welcoming atmosphere on the day.
The event featured a range of playing categories, including women’s singles and doubles across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The tournament showcased impressive talent and enthusiasm, with players, accompanying spectators and volunteers creating a memorable experience for all involved.
SAMEE Award Winners for 2025
Breaking Barriers Award: Katie D’Souza. Commendation for Uuganaa Ramsay
Outstanding Young Leader(s) Award: Sonja Jillich
Research Award: Dr Kellyanne Findlay. Commendation for Caring across Cultures (Dementia)
Supporting Inclusive Learning Award: SEMDC
Inspiring Diversity in STEM Award: SmartSTEMs
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Award: Lorna Ingram
Social Environment Award: Scottish Arab Women Association (SAWA). Commendation for Fatima Iftikhar
Social Citizenship Award: Romano Lav. Commendation for Ricefield Arts and Cultural Centre
Outstanding Contribution to Anti-Racist Practice in the Classroom Award: Alison Mitchell
Sports for All Award: SEMSA
Building Bridges Award for Institution/Employer: Asma Hussein
Special Recognition Award: Manira Ahmad
Special Recognition Award: Frank Connell Lauren Benzie and P7s at Giffnock Primary School
Special Recognition Award: Nicola Weston Gokalp & Katie Baxter (College of Sanctuary)
About SAMEE
SAMEE is a nation-wide organisation led by education professionals from ethnically diverse backgrounds. They provide a strong voice to social, educational and professional communities empowering parents to support young people, learners to progress in their education, and educators to advance in their careers.
The SAMEE community of education professionals provide support to educators and learners through workshops, seminars, conferences, one-to-one consultations, continued professional learning and bespoke coaching and mentoring activities.
Find out more
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