IT was a case of treble in Paradise on Wednesday night as Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts project scooped a third prize in 12 months at The Herald Society Awards.

Hot on the heels of consecutive wins at the 2016 and 2017 Herald Diversity Awards, Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts clinched “Community Project of the Year 2017”, further enhancing the initiative’s reputation and standing across the Third Sector.  

Recognising significant contributions to local communities, The Herald Society Awards celebrate organisations which empower and strengthen individuals to achieve their very best. 

This latest accolade for the multi-award winning Ability Counts underlines the meteoric rise of the project which first began in 2011. Originally focusing on children and young people with Down’s Syndrome, Ability Counts expanded in 2015 to encompass those living with Autism. Moreover, this year has seen the addition of a third strand, Ability Counts 18+, which provides a pathway for participants and others of adult age to learn skills around employability and mature learning.

Remarkably, this triumph represents the sixth award to date for the hugely popular initiative, with the project previously winning –

– Best Community Project 2017, The Herald Diversity Awards
– Best Community Project 2016, The Herald Diversity Awards
– Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2015, Inspiring City Awards
– People’s Choice Heart & Soul Award, SCVO’s Scottish Charity Awards
– Best Community & Social Responsibility Programme 2011, European Club Association Awards

On the continued success of Ability Counts, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “For years now, our Ability Counts initiative has been synonymous with positive outcomes and inspirational stories – and all credit for this award goes to our incredible participants.

“It’s imperative that we continue to build on the excellent work to date, and in the near future, this will see us expand our service provision and improve facilities.

“At Celtic FC Foundation, we are continually looking to do more – to help more – and I’m enormously grateful to The Herald’s Society Awards for recognising the value of Ability Counts.”

Ability Counts Down’s Syndrome takes place on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, with our Autism strand delivered 6-8pm on Thursdays. Ability Counts 18+ is delivered weekly at Celtic Park.

If you would like more information about any of our Ability Counts strands, please contact [email protected]