Mel Young, MBE, who founded the Homeless World Cup, is to receive the Edinburgh Award.
The selection is made from a shortlist created after a public vote for th person who has made a real and lasting impact to the city.
In the usual way, Mr Young will receive the Loving Cup and a scroll from the Rt Hon Lord Provost at a civic ceremony in the City Chambers. Before then he will have his handprints cast in one of the flagstones in the Quad outside.
In 2003 Mr Young co-founded the Homeless World Cup which has now extended to 70 countries in the world, touching the lives of more than 100,000 homeless people each year. He also co-founded the Big Issue a Scottish publication which is sold by homeless people allowing them to earn their own living. His latest post was as Chair of Sportscotland from 2016 to 2024.
This will be the 18th time the Edinburgh Award has been made, but Mr Young is no stranger to awards. He received the 2016 Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award from then Lord Provost, Donald Wilson in a ceremony in the Lord Provost Suite.
Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge said: “I’m delighted that Mel Young, MBE, has been chosen as the latest recipient of the Edinburgh Award. He deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“From The Homeless World Cup, to The Big Issue in Scotland, his passion and dedication to changing lives and advocating for fairness is admirable and inspiring. Through his work he has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill.
“I’d also highlight the fantastic work of The Homeless World Cup charity, based in the city, which now has partners in 70 countries, touching the lives of over 100,000 homeless people every year.
“I’d like to congratulate Mel on behalf of the city, and I’m sure he will continue to do great things, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”
Mel Young said:“I am humbled and honoured to receive this Award. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and I am proud to be one its citizens. The Homeless World Cup has its international headquarters in Edinburgh and connects all over the globe. I’d like to share this Award with the team of fabulous people in our organisation and to salute the real heroes of our work, the homeless people themselves who change their own lives through their involvement in our operations across the world. Thank you so much for giving me this Award.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
