Sheffield Voices, a charity based in Sheffield, has claimed victory in this year's Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake, earning £20,000 ($25,000) to support their cause.
The sweepstake, a collaborative effort between York Racecourse and Sky Bet, recognises local charitable endeavors throughout Yorkshire for their positive impact on the community.
Frankie Dettori secured back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Ebor, this time riding Absurde to victory, resulting in Sheffield Voices seizing the coveted £20,000 prize. Barnsley Hospice secured second place, followed by Streetangels York in third, receiving £5,000 and £2,000 respectively.
Sheffield Voices operates as the learning disability division of Disability Sheffield, a self-advocacy group that empowers individuals to voice their concerns about matters affecting them.
The organisation has emerged as a hub for community engagement, initiating projects that facilitate meaningful connections and interactions. Over the past two years, they have introduced a range of creative self-advocacy initiatives such as drama, art/sculpture, and creative writing, all contributing to their new Community Sharing Hubs known as 'We Speak You Listen.'
Kathryn Littlewood, Manager of Sheffield Voices, said: “The £20,000 donation with go a long way in supporting our new self-advocacy project for young people, bringing them together and giving them a voice to allow them to make change and live their lives the way they want to.”
James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, said: “It was fantastic to see Frankie race to his second consecutive Ebor victory, this time on Absurde. It is always a privilege to host the representatives from the 22 charities shortlisted and we are looking forward to seeing the amazing work they do with the donations they receive.”
Michael Shinners, Racing Odds Manager at Sky Betting & Gaming, added: “All of the charities shortlisted in this year’s sweepstake are such wonderful causes and overall it was a fantastic success.”
