The Jack Petchey Foundation recognised the 250,000^th Achievement Award winner of our flagship programme, the Achievement Award Scheme, during an event held at the Civic Centre in Chelmsford on Tuesday 8^th July in which 88 outstanding young people and 13 inspirational leaders were recognised.

The Jack Petchey Achievement Award is run in 1,500 schools and youth organisations across London and Essex and celebrates young people aged 11-25 for their efforts. Each award winner is invited to a prestigious presentation evening that brings together young people from schools and clubs in a local area to celebrate their achievements together. Each winner is presented with a medallion from a local VIP at the event, and also receives a certificate and a £300 grant that the winner decides how to spend to benefit their peers.

The 250,000^th Achievement Award winner was 11-year-old Felix, who won his award for being the epitome of a team player with Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy. Felix was nominated for an award for his positive contributions, including always being the first to cheer up his teammates and congratulate them on their successes. He is always willing to lend a hand if jobs need doing or give advice to younger players.

On winning the award, Felix said, “I had such an amazing time at the event,  it was so much fun and I feel really lucky to have won this award. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and I’ll remember this day forever and I am an achiever.”

Felix with Councillor Jannetta Sosin, Mayor of Chelmsford and Grants Manager Jane

On top of the £300 grant for winning the Achievement Award, Felix ‘s club also received a special grant of £2,500 to benefit the young people who attend the Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy.

Oki Boolkah, Chelmsford Ice Hockey Academy Coordinator said, “The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme is a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate the effort, determination, and positive attitude of our young players, not just in their performance on the ice, but in their growth as individuals. It has created a culture of encouragement and aspiration within our academy, where players support each other and strive to lead by example. Most importantly, it helps foster a strong sense of community bringing players, coaches, and families together to celebrate success and shared values. The scheme has become a cornerstone of our academy’s spirit, motivating everyone to grow not just as athletes, but as part of something bigger.”

Matt Rantell, Jack Petchey Foundation’s Chair of Trustees and Sir Jack’s grandson, said of the milestone: “My grandfather set up the Foundation to inspire and motivate young people to believe in themselves and to recognise that each person’s achievements are individual to them. It is incredible to see how much of an impact our flagship scheme is having on lives of young people throughout London and Essex. We look forward to ensuring the next 250,000 young people believe in my grandfather’s motto, ‘If you think you can, you can!’”

Learn more about the Achievement Award Scheme here.

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