Ian Rush Honoured as One Family Launches the Legends of Sport Award

Ian Rush was the recipient of the first Legends of Sport Award at the inaugural event, hosted by One Family in partnership with the Ian Rush Foundation, at the capital’s Royal Garden Hotel. 

The ceremony saw the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, presented the inaugural Legends of Sport Award to the former Reds striker. “It’s a real honour to present the Legends of Sport Award to Ian Rush, a true Kop legend and a real boyhood hero of mine. As a lifelong Liverpool fan, it’s a privilege to meet the club’s all-time record goalscorer” he said. “I also congratulate Ian on the new partnership between the Ian Rush Foundation and the One Family, which is doing so much good work for children in Syria.” 

Also attending on the night were many of Rush’s former LFC teammates, including Graeme Souness, along with many of the player’s friends including ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamman, Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara and LFC CEO, Peter Moore. 

The event also raised awareness and critical funds to support pioneering technology that will change the lives of thousands of amputees across war-torn Syria by providing access to high-quality, low- cost prosthetic limbs. 

The Legends of Sport Award itself was handcrafted in silver plate by London silversmiths Thomas Lyte, also known for work on some of the world’s greatest trophies and awards – including the Emirates FA Cup, The NatWest 6 Nations Trophy and The Nitto ATP World Singles Trophy. Sharif Banna MBE, Chairman of One Family said: “Ian Rush is without question, one of the most influential footballers of all time and his record-breaking achievements remain supreme. He is a fitting recipient of the Legends of Sport Award and it is very much our pleasure to honour him in this way. We are delighted to host an event which is celebrating sport as it has a unique power to strengthen social ties, promote respect and improve physical and mental wellbeing – all of which are greatly aligned with One Family’s vision and values.” 

On receiving the reward, Rush said: “I am delighted to be with so many dear friends for this wonderful occasion. I am especially excited that this evening has seen a powerful partnership between my Foundation and One Family. It will literally change the lives of Syrian children – who have been injured through war – by providing prosthetic limbs to help them play and enjoy more mobility.”

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