The 2012 Beyond Sport summit in London concluded with a star-studded award ceremony on 25 July. Tiny Toones was on the shortlist for the UNICEF Sport for Education award and KK (Tiny Toones founder), Hannah Stevens (board member) and Richard England (supporter) were in attendance as luminaries including Tony Blair, David Beckham and Muhammed Ali presented awards to those who have used sport to change lives the world over.

We were disappointed not to win but honoured to have been one of only three projects shortlisted and our congratulations go to the worthy winners Sports for Education, Education for the Future from Romania. Our thanks go to Beyond Sport for the opportunity to attend the summit and meet and share ideas with so many inspiring organisations and individuals. We are also grateful to ASE consulting for assisting with the costs involved in visiting London in the midst of Olympic fever.

By far and away our biggest thanks go to everyone who took the time to post supportive comments on the Beyond Sport website. We were touched by the love for Tiny Toones that is out there; it really is an inspiration. We’ll be back and aiming for gold at the 2013 awards!

Just over a month ago, Tiny Toones performers set off for 10 days in Auckland, New Zealand, where they undertook a packed schedule of school visits, dance workshops, and performances that shared their remarkable true-life stories with young people and the local Cambodian community through dance, music and drama.

Thanks to all of those who supported us with their time, energy and enthusiasm. It was a once in a lifetime experience for those involved and shows the next generation of Tiny Toones kids what can be achieved.  The events also raised awareness and vital funds to help Tiny Toones go on transforming lives.

You can check out videos of one of the school performances, an excerpt from the full length show,  and KK being interviewed on TV3 Nightline.

If you would like to help Tiny Toones continue its vital work please consider donating today.

Beyond Sport, the global organisation that promotes, develops and supports the use of sport as a tool for positive change across the world, has unveiled the official shortlist for the Beyond Sport Awards 2012 and Tiny Toones is on it!

30 projects have been shortlisted from a total of 322 applications. Tiny Toones is both honoured and excited to be one of three projects shortlisted in the Sport for Education category. The final winners will be anounced at this years summit, taking place from July 23rd to 25th in London. As a shortlisted project (and potential winner) Tiny Toones will receive significant support to help us grow and to continue inspiring and educating some of the poorest children in Phnom Penh.

Nick Keller, the Founder of Beyond Sport, says of the awards: “The Beyond Sport Awards unearth leaders using sport as a tool for positive change and provide them with the resources, platform, contacts and opportunities to turbo-charge their growth and impact. We are delighted to reveal this year’s shortlist, which comes after many hours of deliberation from more than 25 experts in their field. To be chosen from more than 300 entries for a place on this shortlist represents a fantastic achievement on the part of all these projects.”

In February 2012 Tiny Toones bids farewell to the Stop Bokor Centre and its graffiti-covered walls and moves a short tuk-tuk ride east to a new home in Chba Ampov. With more class rooms, an indoor dance floor to combat monsoons and new office space, Tiny Toones is now right in the heart of one of Phnom Penh’s poorest neighbourhoods and ready for the year ahead.