‘Second best day of my life!’ | Belvin named our No Room For Racism Icon

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation physical activity instructor Belvin Lewis has been named the Club’s No Room For Racism Icon in an emotional surprise presentation by Ledley King.

To mark the latest staging of the Premier League campaign, clubs have nominated inspiring individuals to highlight the contribution of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in football and showcase the importance of diversity on and off the pitch.

Belvin, 54, was gifted a personalised portrait by Ledley during an exercise session at Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Enfield this week.

Reacting immediately afterwards, Belvin said: “I’m speechless, overwhelmed, over the moon! It was a shock, a beautiful shock. I cried tears full of joy. To be recognised like this, especially by an idol of mine, Ledley, is so memorable. It’s the second best thing that’s happened in my life after my daughter.

“This kind of thing doesn’t happen to someone like me, coming from the background I do. For the people in my community, they’ll be like ‘wow’!

“The more we do profiling names in the industry, the better it’s going to be in the long-term. This will help my culture to know there are possibilities to do anything you want to in life.”

Ledley said: “He’s a big strapping lad and the tears came rolling out, so it shows how much it meant to him. As a football club, we’re proud to hand Belvin this award because he really has been a huge inspiration in the community. You only have to speak to some of the participants to know how much they love and appreciate Belvin.”

Belvin was brought up in Tottenham and joined the Foundation in June 2016, playing a key role in the delivery of its Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association-funded Making Sport a Daily Habit programme.

Tackling inequalities and championing inclusivity in neighbourhoods where deprivation is high, Making Sport a Daily Habit offers 600 regular sessions, including flagship Shape Up With Spurs exercise sessions, to 2,000 local residents every year.

Among participants is Dawn Bent, who said: “Belvin is such a big part of our groups. His character is so friendly, he’s very knowledgeable and takes an interest in each of us individually.

“He’s willing to take the time if there are exercises you can’t do. He’ll break them down and make them easier so that you feel included.”

Such is Belvin’s character, it is not the first time he has received a personalised piece of art, with another participant, Inga Bystram, having created a piece that is up on the wall of Broadwater Farm Community Centre in Haringey, where some of the Shape Up with Spurs sessions take place.

She said: “He’s an absolute gem and seems to have a heart the size of a planet. There are so many people in the classes and he gives everybody the same attention. Not only that, you can see all his colleagues enjoy working with him. He’s like the finger on the pulse of the team.”

Belvin’s colleague, Simon Dahl, agrees: “He’s like an older brother and we’ve got names for each other - he’s Burpee B and I’m MC Energy. We like to bring the energy all the time and it’s amazing to work with Belvin.”

Adam Millar, another colleague, said: “Belvin’s energy feels unmatched because of his ties to the community. He’ll be stopped by people every five minutes anywhere he walks.”

Belvin says it is a 'dream come true' to be working in the communities where he grew up.

“I’ve had people in my family who have had cancer, diabetes, passed away, so I understand how important it is to look after your life. When I come to work, I give my everything.

“There’s a lot behind what we do, with session planning throughout the week, considering how many participants are coming, the types of participants, certain disabilities, certain conditions.

“Coming towards the end of a week, we’re knackered, but seeing people’s faces is amazing and reminds us why we’re here and what we’re about.

“It’s hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely love it, making a difference, changing people’s lives. Working for the Foundation’s the best job I’ve ever had and I’m very happy, privileged and blessed to be where I am today.”

Belvin’s mantra is that 'health is wealth' and so, appropriately, he said he would celebrate being named our No Room For Racism Icon by going home to make a smoothie.

CLICK HERE for a regular timetable of the Foundation’s free community activities, including its Shape Up with Spurs programme.