LIMAVADY, Thursday 21 May 2026 — A 14-year-old Limavady High School pupil has been named Rotary Great Britain and Ireland’s Young Citizen Sporting Hero for 2025–26, the second year running a young athlete from the Causeway Coast town has taken the award.
Charlotte Kasparian, who trains with Team Ryano Causeway, started Brazilian jiu-jitsu at six and now competes in wrestling, judo and mixed martial arts. She also helps coach younger members of the club twice a week at its “Ninja School”.
A growing trophy cabinet
Her recent results include the Northern Ireland Open, Welsh Open and English Open pre-cadet judo titles in 2025, alongside All-Ireland and All-Ireland Schools championships. She also took the British Open pre-cadet title in 2024 and the Ireland Open Wrestling Championship in 2025, and has represented her club at events in Latvia, Belgium and the Netherlands.
In November 2025, Charlotte was named joint Junior Sportswoman of the Year at the Causeway Coast and Glens Sports Awards.
“What makes Charlotte stand out is her compassion and dedication to her teams and team-mates. She always takes the time to mentor younger athletes, both on and off the mats.”
Dr Darren Mornin, Principal, Limavady High School
Two in a row for Limavady
Charlotte’s nomination, endorsed by Limavady Rotary Club, follows last year’s Sporting Hero win by Jude Williams of Limavady Grammar School — a Triathlon Ireland Squad member who has represented Northern Ireland at the London Marathon Mini Marathon and Ireland on the European triathlon circuit.
It’s a notable double for a single town: two Sporting Hero winners in two years, both nominated by the same club.
About the Young Citizen Awards
The Rotary GB&I Young Citizen Awards recognise under-25s who make a positive difference in their communities. Nominations are open to individuals and groups, with no set categories for the main awards. Three named awards are also presented each year: Environmentalist, Peacemaker and Sporting Hero.
The Sporting Hero award comes with a trophy, a certificate and a £250 donation to a charity or community interest company of the winner’s choice.
Rotary works with young people across all 65 clubs in Ireland through programmes including Interact for under-18s and Rotaract for 18–30s. To find your nearest club or get involved in youth work, visit the Rotary Ireland club directory.