On Tuesday, 30th January I was invited by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt. Hon. Lucy Frazer KC MP, to nominate a local “Community Sports Champion”, someone who has made an exemplary contribution to local sports, who was then invited to attend a Sports Reception at 10 Downing Street.
I decided to nominate Andre Arissol, who is a professional basketball player from Northampton who is currently campaigning to reduce knife crime in the community through the “Carry a Basketball not a Blade” campaign, by encouraging young people to play basketball rather than become involved in gang culture.
I have nominated several community champions from Northampton to attend receptions at Downing Street to celebrate Northampton figures who have made a contribution to our town, and I intend to continue nominating commendable local figures for similar occasions in the future.
(Photo: Sir Michael Ellis MP with Andre Arissol and Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lucy Frazer MP in Number 10 Downing Street)