Chelsie Giles - September
Chelsie started her sporting life as a keen swimmer, dancer and gymnast, but after watching her brother take part in judo classes, decided to try the sport when she was aged just eight - and never looked back. She quickly rose through the ranks at Coventry Judo Club and at 13 had to decide between judo and gymnastics opting for the sport that was to bring her Olympic glory at the age of 24.
Chelsie made her senior international debut in 2017 and her success in the 52kg category has included a silver medal at the 2018 Antalya Grand Prix as well as bronze in the 2018 Budapest Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. She is also a 2019 European Games bronze medallist and headed to the Tokyo 2020 Games in good form, having won gold at the Tel Aviv Grand Slam earlier in the year. Chelsie made the most of that form on the mat, taking home Team GB's first medal of the Games by winning bronze in her discipline.
Chelsie is an excellent ambassador for her home city and her success is helping to inspire other young athletes – from judo and other sports – as she has shown what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Chelsie has helped to raise the city’s profile as a sporting city and as a judo city as Coventry prepares to host the sport as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Chelsie carries herself in a manner which defies her age. She is a true inspiration and role model for all.
Her dedication and love for her sport justly reflect her character and she is well deserving of this Good Citizen Award.
Matthew Ellison, MBE - October
From an early age Matthew experienced the devastating impact the effects of Huntington’s Disease had on his family. As Matthew grew older, he wanted to use his own experience of growing up with a parent who had the disease to change the landscape for other children and young people.
While attending the Huntington’s Disease Congress in 2009 Matthew connected with many other young people who were going thorough similar experiences. During this event an idea would transpire and after years of fundraising, writing, research and lobbying the idea turned into reality. Matthew was able to bring HDYO.org into fruition in 2012, an organization dedicated to filling the gap in support and education for young people impacted by Huntington’s around the world.
Since 2009 Matt has helped support 4000 young people from over 90 countries. The educational content he developed is now available in 14 different languages and the videos have been viewed more than 2 million times. Matt does all of this whilst living with the knowledge that he too will develop Huntington's Disease after testing positive at 18. Matthew is an advocate for young people, Huntington's Disease, Rare Diseases and Genetic Conditions.
Matthew has invested his time, efforts and resources to help better the lives of young people, his actions truly reflect his character and he is a worthy recipient of this Coventry Good Citizen Award.