A GLASGOW charity has been honoured for the “significant impact” its work has had on the lives on ethnic minority citizens during the pandemic.

Glasgow Afghan United works with members of the city’s diverse communities to achieve unity, equality, peace and diversity through sport, education and empowerment. Now, the Sports Council for Glasgow has recognised that work by awarding the community-led charity its Sport Impact Award 2020.

Glasgow Afghan United has been offering cricket sessions, taekwondo groups, language classes and homework clubs, in addition to regular cultural events, support groups and an annual Refugee Festival Football Tournament. Face-to-face support has been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, but the organisation has continued its skills development, mental health support and fitness work through virtual sessions.

The Sports Council for Glasgow said: “As a community-led organisation seeking to improve the lives of Afghans and a wide range of BAME communities living in Glasgow, Glasgow Afghan United has made a significant impact on people’s lives over the past year by promoting sport, health and well-being, social integration and active citizenship.

“The club has also run successful virtual programmes throughout lockdown, including health and fitness sessions, a women’s empowerment group and a families’ language class.”

Abdul Bostani, president of Glasgow Afghan United, added: “We would like to express our thanks to those who believed in us and our organisation for nominating us and recognising us at this level. The Covid-19 pandemic never stopped Glasgow Afghan United trying to improve people’s lives through sport and education and we will continue to work hard to support our city’s communities throughout 2021 and into the future.”