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STAR SUPERKIDS: Meet our young champions - VIDEO
TAHIR'S got talent! The 12-year-old SuperKid showed why he's a worthy winner of the music and performing arts category with a triumphant display of African drumming at yesterday's awards ceremony.
Click on the green button to watch our video report.
Tahir, who is blind and suffers hearing loss and physical disabilities, showed no fear as he hit on a hypnotic rhythm in front of a room full of celebrities and sports personalities - not to mention the nine other SuperKids and their families.
For Star Superkids 2009 full report and photos see our eight-page pull out in The Star today, Tuesday, April 28.
As well as musical ability, the Tapton schoolboy showed qualities seen in so many of his fellow winners, such as courage, success in the face of adversity and the ability to inspire.
The 10 categories in The Star's annual SuperKids awards, with overall sponsor Monkey Bizness, cover a diverse range of achievements - from fundraising to educational progress and from sports to courage.
Category sponsors are Monkey Bizness, Ecotek, Crystal Peaks, UK Consumer Debt Line, The Source at Meadowhall, Greggs the Bakers, Owlerton Stadium, Meadowhall, Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Hilton Sheffield, Magna Science Adventure Centre.
The glittering event was opened with a breathtaking display of martial arts moves by dynamic duo and Britain's Got Talent runners up Strike.
Danny Ball and Liam Richards, who are sponsored by Magna, swung deadly-looking weapons and kicked, spun and back-flipped so fast their fists were a blur and the audience was left breathless.
BBC Look North television presenter Christa Ackroyd and former world champion boxer Johnny Nelson then took to the stage to honour the true stars of the show - the children.
Johnny said: "As a sportsman I've been trained to push my body. These kids haven't had that, what they do simply comes from within. That's why this event will always be attended by sports people, we recognise just how difficult that is."
Footballers Akpo Sodje, of Sheffield Wednesday, Leigh Bromby and Nick Montgomery of Sheffield United, Steelers star Rod Sarich, boxer Clinton Woods and Olympic silver medal winning runner Peter Elliott all attended.
Striker Akpo Sodje said he felt for the kids and it was good to see them smile as they received their awards.
He added: "It's a real boost for them and hopefully it will give them more strength to keep going. It's also good for the parents to see their children's efforts recognised."
Sheffield big band singer Paul Pashley, who grew up in Arbourthorne, said Tahir was a natural performer.
He added: "You could see his talent straight away, it makes you realise he's not defined by his disabilities and he won't let obstacles get in his way - just like all the SuperKids."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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