An inspirational youth leader has been awarded the highest honour of the city.

Desmond Smith was awarded the Freedom of the City of Sheffield during a special council meeting on Wednesday 5th March at 2:00 p.m.

He was given this award for his work helping the city of Sheffield and its community during the last four decades, specifically for being “a voice for those who cannot speak out” as said by Lord Mayor, Councillor Jayne Dunn.

Desmond Smith, or as he is called by most Des Smith, was just thirteen years old, when he immigrated to Sheffield due to his talent in cricket. He was part of the windrush generation, and so his work is focused on understanding and improving race relations through sports. 

This led to him becoming a founder of the Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club; a club whose mission is inclusivity, community and respect, helping young people from all backgrounds come together in a safe place. 

This being one of the many reasons he received this honour, alongside his work in youth services.

As Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, who has now known Mr Smith for a few years, said he saw how he was when working in youth services; “working with some of the most deprived young people in the city, to inspire them to actually fulfil their potential”.

As he said in his speech when he won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award; the club promotes “people of different colours, of different races all having fun. That’s made me very very happy.”

Coun Tom Hunt, said “Let us make sure that Des’s contribution to our city, Des’s commitment to Sheffield, Des’s Achievements are unsung no more.”

As he received a standing ovation when the honour was official.