A Newham basketball coach has been recognised for his voluntary work in the Team London Awards.

Stephen Onireti has volunteered with the East Ham-based Youngbloods club for 10 years, and was a junior player himself back in 1994.

He now runs the under 13s boys team and has set up a programme to encourage men to be involved with competitive sport rather than the gang lifestyle.

Volunteers from all over the capital gathered at City Hall for the awards ceremony, which took place on Wednesday.

It celebrate the contribution made to London’s Olympic volunteering legacy, recognising efforts in a range of individual and team categories.

Stephen said: “It’s an honour to receive this award; it’s even more rewarding to know that volunteering can touch so many people.

“Being appreciated for doing something I’m passionate about helps drive me to continue and encourage others to follow in my footstep.”

Stephen, who won the over 25s award in the sports and healthy living category, was presented with his trophy by Paralympic sittling volleyball player Martine Wright.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “It makes me immensely proud to celebrate the achievements of our latest winners, who prove beyond all doubt that the volunteering legacy sparked by the 2012 Games is flourishing, with more and more opportunities for volunteers to get involved each year.”

Read more:

Stratford basketball coach named best in London