Top county awards for work during lockdown

A running club and community group were among the winners at Active Lincolnshire’s 16th Sport and Physical Awards ceremony.

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 a Horncastle branch - 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: “The club has been going since 2015 and we believe we’re unique because we cover Horncastle, Skegness, Spilsby and Boston.

“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.”

Debbie Bollard was presented with the Community Champion Award for her tireless efforts throughout the pandemic working with Woodhall Spa and Kirkby on Bain Coronavirus Community Support Group.

Debbie was recognised for her proactiveness during the first stages of lockdown seeking funding for the group, overseeing the development of a community befriending service, recruiting a team of nearly 40 volunteers and leading the support for over 200 households in need in the area.

Debbie also oversaw the development of the Woodhall Food Bank which has delivered 30 food parcels to the local community and has expanded its services to include additional local areas.

She said: “At the beginning of lockdown we had already started talking on our community Facebook page about how we could provide supoport to those who we shielding and self isolating.

“We set up the support group who helped with shopping and delivering prescriptions for those who couldn’t get out. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the team

“We have been able to deliver a sevice to people self isolating and shielding during the pandemic.”

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