About The Geoff Capes Foundation
“Being born in 1949, not long after the Second World War, meant that money was tight. I grew up in a rural corner of Lincolnshire and my father worked on local farms. Being one of nine kids meant we didn’t have much.
When I started working with my dad and earning a bit, my meagre wages went to my mum towards food and lodgings – very little was left. Money was so tight that I went to the All-England Schools Athletics Championships aged 14 and threw in bare feet because we couldn’t afford plimsolls – and that was on concrete!
I know that there are many children and young people, who have sporting potential but are disadvantaged due to financial hardship, disability or ill-health. Many sadly falter because the barriers are just too difficult to overcome without support.
It’s also about providing children and young people opportunities to participate in other recreational and leisure time activities with the benefits that come with it, encouraging them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.
Through the activities we support, children and young people can transform their own lives for the better. We provide that little spark to light the torch, but it’s the individuals themselves who carry it throughout their lives and go onto to achieve.”
Geoff Capes – Chair and Trustee
THE BOARD & TRUSTEES
Ranjit Banwait - President
“The Geoff Capes Foundation is a great way for members of the public and businesses to support disadvantaged children and young people through the power of sport.
For me personally, I’m proud as President to be involved. As a kid I watched Geoff on the telly become the World’s Strongest Man for Great Britain. It was a proud moment for the country.
The Geoff Capes Foundation works in partnership with local charities and community organisations to put in place the support an individual or community group needs.
Annual Gala Dinners, and other fund-raising activities, are organised locally to raise the necessary funds.
Through The Geoff Capes Foundation local businesses can fulfil their social and corporate responsibility, and members of the public can make donations or become Ambassadors for their local community or work place.
Thank you for your support”.
TRUSTEES
Surat "Sam" Sangha OBE
Sam arrived in the UK aged 9 in 1966 from Punjab India. He began his career as an apprentice in mechanical engineering with British Steel Corporation.
Given his entrepreneurial talent, Sam changed career and became Managing Director of JK Food, a family owned business, which concentrated on the Oriental food sector. In 1991 Sam’s vision led to the success of the first Hyperama cash and carry in Nottingham followed by a second cash and carry in Birmingham a few years later. In 2003, Sam setup Asiana Limited in Nottingham with his 3 daughters, distributing Oriental products to the foodservice and retail sector. Asiana is an award-winning company in the Midlands, with stores in Nottingham, Leicester and Peterborough.
In 2015, Sam was recognised for his services to entrepreneurship when he was awarded an OBE.
Sandeep Dhadli
Sandeep brings to The Geoff Capes Foundation skills and experience in Human Resources, Recruitment and Mentoring.
She is passionate about improving access to sports and leisure activities for disadvantaged children and young people, having seen first-hand how opportunities provided by charities can transform lives for the better. Sandeep has been a volunteer with many other charities, helping to fundraise and raise awareness for issues effecting children and young people. Her most recent challenge was to complete a 15,000 feet sky dive for Mencap Derby. She exceeded her target and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.
Sandeep’s experience is helping the charity develop and bring on talent that can make a lasting contribution to the lives of children and young people. She is keen to hear from anyone wanting to raise funds for local projects where they live, with the support of The Geoff Capes Foundation, whether it’s providing a child their first football boots or helping organise a community sports event.
Amo Raju
Amo Raju is an active advocate for the improvement of opportunities and services for disabled people and the wider community.
For 25 years he has been the spearhead of Disability Direct, one of the most effective and successful charities in the Midlands. To date he has generated over £20m in funds to deliver pioneering projects which are now mirrored across the country.
Amo’s seat on the board of The Geoff Capes Foundation will bolster the charity’s ability to support those in society who need a boost to help them achieve their very best goals. His voluntary sector experience will help build links with charities with the same values, working collaboratively to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.
