Not many people actually get recognised for the hard work they do in the local community, but Sevenoaks Powerchair FC Manager Adam McEvoy has bucked this trend after being nominated for a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, which were announced on June 11.
McEvoy on receiving the nomination told Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing magazine : “I’m a bit taken back to be honest, it was a big surprise. I received an email which I initially thought was spam! It was only on closer inspection that I realised it was genuine! I feel very grateful and somewhat undeserving – there are numerous people who do a great deal who are also very befitting of such an award – but at the same time I feel very lucky, grateful and honoured to have been nominated”.
In addition to his role at the Sevenoaks club, McEvoy works at The Wheelchair Football Association as a National Development Manager where he is responsible for leading on the development of powerchair football across England, providing access to powerchair football for anyone with a physical disability.
He added: “I’m so proud to be part of the club, part of Sevenoaks Town FC and the wider community, I couldn’t do the things I do without their support”.
His parent club, Sevenoaks Town FC tweeted on hearing the news: “Many congratulations to our Powerchair manager and coach @Adam_theWFA on receiving a BEM in the 2021 Queens birthday honours list. Could not think of a more deserving recipient for services to Disabled and Young People through Sport!”.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, who is Her Majesty The Queen’s official representative in the County of Kent tweeted: “Many congratulations, wonderful news and so well deserved”.
Sevenoaks Town Council CEO Linda Larter also tweeted: “Fantastic news and very well deserved”.
McEvoy is also the Sports Department Director at the European Powerchair Football Association where he is the lead organiser of all major international powerchair football competitions across Europe.
Accompanying him is a list of key figures from the UK’s Covid vaccine programme, and other community volunteers who helped during the pandemic, including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson who is appointed MBE after he raised £4 million for the NHS from fellow Premier League footballers through the #PlayersTogether appeal.
Adam McEvoy’s profile
- Manager of Sevenoaks Powerchair FC since August 2013
- National Development Manager at The Wheelchair Football Association since September 2018
- Sports Department Director at the European Powerchair Football Association since August 2018
Read more about Sevenoaks Powerchair FC in our Insight article.
Honours list
The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 demonstrates the extraordinary efforts made by individuals in all four nations of the United Kingdom during the pandemic.
The List includes those who have worked throughout the crisis, putting others before themselves – from caring neighbours, frontline and community heroes, to those supporting the UK recovery.
In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of the country, almost 23% of recipients are recommended for COVID-19 service. These include recipients who have given charitable and voluntary support to communities, service in health and social care, and those who have provided critical infrastructure support.
You can find out more about the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 by visiting the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/government/news/the-queens-birthday-honours-list-2021 .
