The gala awards ceremony for the Champions Awards scheme launched by Hackney based Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) is to take place on 19 May 2005 at KICC headquarters in Waterden Road in East London.

The Champions Awards is a community initiative that seeks to recognise exceptional people in Hackney who have made a positive contribution to the local area. The Awards categories are education, young champions, sport, business, parenting and caring. Winners will receive trophies and prizes during the gala awards ceremony to be hosted by newsreader Darren Jordon and former Songs of Praise and Blue Peter presenter Diane Louise Jordan. Celebrities and artists will entertain the 800 people who attend this black tie event, which includes a sumptuous 3 course meal set in luxurious surroundings.

The numerous nominations have already been reviewed by a panel of VIPs and Hackney dignitaries: Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington; Peter Kerridge, Chief Executive of Premier Radio; Hackney Councillor Sade Bright; Sandra White from the Hackney Gazette; Dr Asa’ah Nkohkwo FRSH, Director of the Sickle Cell Society; Dr Nola Ishmael OBE, former Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health; and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor of KICC.

Pastor Matthew said: “Everyone here at KICC is looking forward to the Champions Awards ceremony; we have received many outstanding nominations in each category and are delighted to reward these special people. This will be an evening to remember.”

Tickets for the event will be on sale shortly from KICC, 57 Waterden Road, E15 2EE, by mail or online at www.kicc.org.uk

The Champions Awards scheme is part of the KICC Champions community initiatives including the Champions Walk which raised over £40,000 for the Sickle Cell Society in October 2004.

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For further press information, interviews or photography please contact:
Albanne Spyrou Tel: 020 8525 0000 ext. 265 E-mail: Albanne_Spyrou@kicc.org.uk
Susanne Kirlew Tel: 020 8525 0000 ext. 260 E-mail: Susanne_Kirlew@kicc.org.uk


Notes to Editors:

KICC, an independent, interdenominational and international church, is the largest church in Western Europe. The main church is based in Hackney on a 9.5-acre facility that includes a 4,000-seater auditorium. Over 12,000 people attend its three services every Sunday. KICC has five UK branches – KICC Birmingham, KICC French Connection, KICC Luton, KICC South West (Wimbledon) and KICC Wembley – and 16 Sunday chapels across London and the South East. Its many ministries and community activities include a Hopeline telephone service, educational counselling and the annual KICC Champions Awards. KICC is a major provider of Christian programmes to radio and TV stations that broadcast to millions of people across the world.


Kingsway International Christian Centre
57 Waterden Road, Hackney, London E15 2EE
Tel: 020 8525 0000 Fax: 020 8525 0002
E-mail: admin@kicc.org.uk www.kicc.org.uk







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