Marcus Rashford: 23 years old, 5 years experience, and 21 awards.
He receives yet another award, the prestigious “Gold Blue Peter Badge”? So, who else has won this award? Well, the Queen and David Beckham are some names to name a few.
Written by: Saif U
In a world where humans are being forced to adapt to a global pandemic, whilst evolve and develop faster than ever before virtually, there are some individuals that deserve exceptional praise. Partly because of their courage and efforts to stand up for a humanitarian cause, and partly because their arduous campaigns have been propelled by the virtual world we live in today.
Marcus Rashford, a man younger than myself — only by a couple of years! Successfully made the Government U-Turn on a decision — with good speed too. Although the pendulum has swayed back and forth since the start of the pandemic, it is extraordinary that a twenty-three-year-old has successfully and maturely brought an important issue to the front line and continues to rally for it.
He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester, following in the steps of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, and is the youngest to be ever presented this award. On 10th October, it was confirmed he would be receiving an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. To which he responded to his football team:
“As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22.”
Across 2020 he received plenty of awards, from the Supernova Award and the Fifa Foundation Award to the 2020 Expert Panel Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the year ceremony.
A few years ago, many of us would have been looking at this player’s talent and potential as a footballer, but now we’re begged with a different question: What is this individual’s potential as a human being? What’s his Potential Zenith?
So, what is this Gold Blue Peter Badge?
For those that have no clue what this award is about, first, let’s delve into Blue Peter. It is the longest-running children’s TV show in the world. That in itself is a statement! First airing in 1958. Thus, the prestigious award is given to those that are representing themselves and their causes well. Previous recipients for this award include the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, Raheem Sterling, Dame Mary Berry, Sir David Attenborough, and David Beckham. Thus, it is no surprise to me to see both Greta Thunberg and Marcus Rashford awarded for their efforts in environmental and poverty-related campaigns respectively.
So, what do you guys think? Impressed with the new generation of good that we’re starting to see? Do you feel inspired to make a change too?
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