County award for lockdown work

Skegness and District RC were among the award winners.

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the latest restrictions, last Thursday’s event took place virtually via the charity’s YouTube channel, hosted by former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Champion Craig Heap.

This year’s awards were a chance for the county to recognise and celebrate the efforts of groups and individuals who have helped to keep Lincolnshire active, healthy and motivated despite the challenges many have faced this year.

Within 11 categories, 33 finalists were put forward to receive an award for their efforts and contributions to the community.

Skegness & District Running Club, who have branches in Skegness and Spilsby, as well as Horncastle and Boston, won the Active Club Award for their dedication to their members during lockdown.

The club organised online quizzes for their members and kept in regular contact with those who found the uncertainty of the pandemic especially difficult, offering a support system through new friendships and online social groups.

Once restrictions lifted the club organised virtual runs for smaller groups and weekly activities for all to participate in, ensuring that their members were keeping active and promoting positive mental wellbeing through their activities.

The club’s Helena Shelton said: “We have over 200 members. With the lockdown, one of our members organised a virtual parkrun and it really did motivate you to get out on a Saturday morning and have a 5k run. It’s not just all about running, it’s about making friendships and that’s what we love about the club, it encourages everybody.”