The Trustees of Hylands Tennis Club are delighted to announce that Giorgio Bugnatelli BEM, Club Administrator and Secretary to the Trustees, has been awarded the distinguished Peter Bruce Lifetime Achievement Award by the Havering Sports Council, recognizing his exceptional 35-year commitment to community sports development. The prestigious award, reserved for Havering residents with a minimum of 25 years of service to local sport, was presented to Mr. Bugnatelli at a ceremony held at Upminster Golf Club on Monday, February 3, 2025. The event was attended by prominent figures including MPs Julia Lopez and Andrew Rosindell, Greater London Assembly Member Keith Prince, and Councillors Viddy Persaud and Jason Frost. Cllr Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council.

This award was sponsored by McDonalds Restaurants of Romford. Since 1990, Giorgio has been instrumental in transforming local sports infrastructure, raising over £900,000 for various sports projects, including the establishment of Essex's first outdoor gym and significant tennis facility improvements. His achievements include securing £392,000 for a joint venture with Hornchurch High School and obtaining £132,800 for the Hylands Park Action Group's initiatives.

Upon receiving the award, Giorgio stated, "This is truly an honour, and I am incredibly grateful for this acknowledgment of our collective efforts in building and supporting our community through sport." This recognition adds to Giorgio's impressive list of accolades, including the British Empire Medal for Charitable Services, a London Region Community and Heritage Award, a Green Flag Award for excellence in Park Management, and most recently, the 2024 Club Hub Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Trustees note that Giorgio's dedication to making tennis accessible to all, particularly young people, has created lasting opportunities for youth development in Havering. His establishment of girls-only satellite clubs and development of Tennis Leaders Awards programs has helped bridge gaps between schools, clubs, and local communities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: hylandsclub@gmail.com