Red Ball Award 2010

Red Ball Award Winner 2010 -
Trung Nguyen-Le

Trung Nguyen-Le became the winner of the second annual Red Ball Award at the BUCS Ball on Thursday 15th July. The award, which was presented by rugby star Josh Lewsey, recognised Trung's superb work as a Student Ambassador at the University of Surrey. Trung has been involved in Right To Play for two years, and now as the newly elected Vice President of Sports and Recreation at the University of Surrey he has pledged to continue his hard work. He took a few minutes to answer some questions about his experiences with Right To Play thus far.

Congratulations on your award, how does it feel to be the Red Ball Winner?

I was stunned when I first found out that I won the award. I was at the BUCS Conference as part of my newly elected role as VP Sports & Recreation at the University of Surrey Students' Union. Awards for the best sports-people in the country were being presented at BUCS Ball and as I sat down on a table, I curiously flicked through the program to see what was on the menu. Suddenly I saw what looked like my name, and it was. I literally stared at the program for a minute or two from being shocked and overwhelmed. Little did I know I had to make a speech later but I think I managed that ok. The award will proudly sit on my office desk at our Students' Union.

What did you do to win the award?

I signed up to do the Edinburgh to London bike ride with 4 other friends in 2009 and this was the first time I had heard of Right To Play. Whilst fundraising, I learnt more about the charity's work and became passionate about their cause. After the ride I became a Student Ambassador, the work Right To Play does is truly remarkable.

Throughout the 2009-10 academic year I wrote articles about Right To Play for the student paper, did a fundraising raffle along with Surrey RAG and incorporated the Right to Play logo onto our Cycling Club jersey to help raise awareness. I was due to do the Brussels to London bike ride but had unfortunately broken my collarbone prior. Even so, I still came along to help out wit the logistics of the ride, such as route mapping, lunch stops and ensuring everyone was in their accommodation.  It was hard work but it was really interesting to see the work that goes in behind the scenes of such a big event - although next year I'd prefer to get back on the bike for the ride!

You are now the VP for Sports and Recreation at Surrey - what do you plan to do for Right To Play this year?

I am planning to raise money at next year's Varsity with Kingston University, have more fundraising events and hold a presentation about Right To Play to our sports clubs to encourage more students to become Student Ambassadors. You can count me on doing next year's cycle ride too!

Would you recommend the Student Ambassador Experience?

Before I became a Student Ambassador, I was always one for helping raise money for charity. I did not have a charity that I felt strongly about until I found came across Right To Play. If you look into their values, cause and work, I think you will feel strongly too.

Being a Student Ambassador is fun, rewarding and you can make friends with other Student Ambassadors from universities across the country. Get a group of friends to become Ambassadors with you at your uni, that would be even better! 

I have learnt a great deal about international development, events management and how to fundraise; I will certainly be using these skills over the next year and for the rest of my career.