Melba Palhazy

I nominate Melba Pálházy for her commitment to social inclusion and equality of opportunity for young people and their families. Melba is committed to community regeneration and has spent the last 12 years working with diverse communities in deprived areas, for the last 3 years actively improving the life chances of homeless young people with East Thames. She has led on a number of community development initiatives including the S-Team project, a sports development programme in Newham enabling young people to participate and excel in sports and also research, grant-making and community leadership. A programme highlight was the young people launching the first "Sport Relief Mile" in 2004 with Tony Blair and Lord Coe. Working across the London 2012 Host Boroughs, Melba is passionate about the potential provided by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the legacy for local communities. She is a true ambassador for the 2012 Legacy.