Hello my name is Nino Genua, I am 23 years old & I live in Bristol.
I’d like to tell you about my journey with Bristol Bears Community Foundation over the last 6 years. When I first started they were Bristol Rugby Community Foundation, then rebranded to Bristol Bears in 2018.
I started on the journalism course whilst in Post 16 at Warmley Park School in 2016.
Nino outside Ashton Gate
After this finished, I was offered a place on the newly formed pilot scheme for Work Experience. My manager Kris Tavender said that I was “Trailblazer for the Foundation.” It was down to my hard work, dedication & commitment to my role that I was nominated & shortlisted for a Parliamentary Award in 2016.
I went to The Houses of Parliament with my Mum, sister Lia & my mangers Kris Tavender & Ben Breeze to receive my Award. I was very proud of myself & hoped it would show others that if you try your best & get the right support, can succeed in achieving your dreams.
I was also recognised by a major sponsor of the foundation for my success in my role & they agreed to provide funding to allow the pilot scheme for Work Experience to continue. This meant that other students in post 16 & college placements could then be offered similar opportunities to flourish & experience what I had. Work Experience with Bristol Bears Community Foundation is ongoing. I am especially proud of this as I love to help others.
Nino with Ben Breeze (left) & Kris Tavender (right) at the Houses of Parliament
On completing my Work experience I was invited to apply for a place as a volunteer Community Coach. I had to send a letter of application & attend an interview. I haven’t looked back since.
My role has included coaching over 50’s rugby. Rugby sessions for younger children with additional needs. I work in the family zone at Ashton Gate Stadium on match days, which I love.
“I am especially proud of this as I love to help others.”
During lockdown I continued my role as a community coach online by producing a fitness routine video for ‘Bears at home’ and I also presented ‘Bears Boxing’. These are still available on Bristol Bears Social Media platforms.
This month I will be continuing my coaching role at my specialist school in the College department by supporting students in rugby sessions. This is very special to me as my years at Warmley Park School/ Post 16 were some of the happiest in my life so far & being able to help students there makes me very happy & proud.
Nino goes through some warm-up stretches with students at a Community training session.
With the support, belief, guidance & opportunities given to me by my manager Kris Tavender & The Bristol Bears Community Foundation, I have strengthened all areas of my development as a young man, as a sportsman & a community coach.
I love my job as a coach for Bristol Bears & wear my uniform with pride. My role as a coach in my old school/college means that in my 6 years of being with the foundation, I have come full circle back to where it all began, from student to coach, now that’s what a success story looks like.
Nino Genua
(With support from Mum Sharon Genua)
“From the very beginning, Nino has been a young man with a clear idea of what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go; he was just looking for that bit of support we all need to get there.
Nino’s drive and aspiration has always been impossible to say no to – and his success as a role-model and ambassador even harder to refute. Participant, sportsperson, team member, volunteer, one of the family.”
Kris Tavender, Spectrum Programme Manager, Bristol Bears Community Foundation