Awards celebrate local sport and physical activity champions

Lincolnshire’s outstanding champions of sport and physical activity were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony held at The Engine Shed, Lincoln on Thursday 6 November. The event recognised the remarkable achievements and dedication of those helping to make Lincolnshire a more active, healthier, and happier place to live.

Organised by charity Active Lincolnshire and proudly supported by headline sponsor Better, the Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals, clubs, and organisations making a positive difference through sport and physical activity across the county.

The award ceremony was hosted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter and sports journalist Rob Makepeace alongside writer and storyteller for systems change, Tanya Akrofi. Together, they shared the powerful and inspiring stories behind each finalist before revealing this year’s ten category winners.

In front of an audience of nearly 250 guests, we celebrated the exceptional contributions of 27 finalists from across Lincolnshire, each demonstrating the transformative impact of sport and physical activity on people’s lives.

A new addition for 2025 was the People’s Choice Award, which invited the public to vote for their favourite finalists. Over 1,800 votes were cast in the run up to the awards evening. Community walking group, Girls That Hike was crowned People’s Choice winner on the evening after receiving the most votes.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were captivating performances from talented local groups, making the evening a true celebration of community spirit and achievement.

Emma Tatlow, CEO of Active Lincolnshire, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025.

“The Awards evening celebrates the outstanding individuals, clubs, groups, and organisations whose passion and commitment are providing life changing experiences to people across Lincolnshire through physical activity. This year’s finalists and winners have once again shown how sport and physical activity matter and how being active transforms people’s lives, benefiting social, mental and physical health.

“The inspiring stories shared throughout the night highlighted the exceptional efforts of those who give their time to help others get active and create more inclusive opportunities, as well as individuals positively changing their own lives through sport and physical activity.

“We are proud to celebrate their achievements and recognise the positive impact they have across the county.”

Shaun Fisher, Better Health Intervention Manager for the Central Region, commented: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards.

“As headline sponsor, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable individuals and organisations transforming lives through sport and physical activity. Whatever someone’s current level of fitness, taking small steps to be more active, more often, can bring lasting benefits to their health and wellbeing. This year’s winners and finalists are a powerful reminder of how sport and physical activity enrich lives and strengthen communities.

We’re honoured to have played a part in recognising their achievements.”

Winners:

Active Achievement Award,

sponsored by the Engine Shed

Winner: Danielle Booth

Danielle is a passionate player with Lincoln’s Down Syndrome Active team and a Special Olympics athlete. Danielle also sets herself personal challenges each year including running events and long-distance charity walks.

Active Change Award

supported by Let's Move Lincolnshire

Winner: Karen Hills

Karen has improved her health through physical activity, progressing from attending Aquacise classes to preparing for powerlifting qualifiers, and supporting others by qualifying as a Gentle Aquacise instructor.

Active Club Award

Winner: Slea Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club

Slea Paddlers is an inclusive, community-led canoe, kayak, and paddleboard club, offering people of all ages and abilities the chance to access water sports.

Active Youth Champion Award

sponsored by Branston

Winner: Juan Diaz

Juan Diaz is the driving force behind Burgh Town FC’s U11s team, dedicating countless volunteer hours alongside his full-time job as a secondary school teacher.

Inclusion & Diversity Award

sponsored by England Golf

Winner: Boston Tennis Club

Passionate about making tennis inclusive for all ages and abilities, over the past year, the club has expanded their programme to welcome more members of the community with disabilities and additional needs.

Impact on Health Award

Winner: Apricity Yoga

Apricity Yoga transforms lives through inclusive, adaptive yoga and breathwork that supports health and wellbeing at every stage of life.

Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity Award

sponsored by The Fitness Group

Winner: Bailey Greetham-Clark

Bailey founded Be Great Fitness as a teenager during the pandemic. Be Great Fitness offers free movement sessions in care homes, schools, and communities, and an online platform making exercise accessible to care home

Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award

sponsored by Chestnut Homes

Winner: Lincolnshire Cricket

Lincolnshire Cricket aim to make the sport accessible to every child and young person, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance.

Unsung Hero Award

sponsored by Skegness Gateway and Breheny Civil Engineering

Winner: Ben Ambrose

Ben Ambrose has volunteered for nearly a decade with Gainsborough Dolphins Swimming Club helping create a positive environment where swimmers of all abilities can thrive.

People's Choice Award

Winner: Girls That Hike

Girls that Hike is an inspiring grassroots initiative creating a safe and inclusive walking community for women of all ages.

More information about the awards and all the finalists can be found on Active Lincolnshire’s website: https://www.activelincolnshire.com/get-involved/sport-physical-activity-awards