We are excited to present the winners of the annual Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2024.

Last night (Thursday 7th November), the biggest and brightest stars championing physical activity and sport across Lincolnshire were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.

Our 20^th anniversary edition of the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards took place at the Engine Shed in Lincoln, bringing together an audience of around 300 passionate and inspiring individuals and organisations to honour the incredible contribution of 33 award finalists.

The Awards were hosted by Freya Colbert, Grantham-born World Champion and Olympic swimmer and BBC Lincolnshire presenter and sports journalist Rob Makepeace. The duo expertly shared the heart-warming and moving stories and successes of Active Lincolnshire’s finalists, before revealing the 11 winners for 2024.

The celebratory mood was amplified by stunning performances from a range of talented local groups. These included: last year’s Inclusion and Diversity Winner, Royal Vulcan’s Cheer and Dance; The Hub Dance Team’s, Unify Dance group; an aerial dance display from Lauren Williams, Firefly; Irish dancing from Conroy Irish Dance Academy and singing from Lincolnshire Vocal Academy.

The 2024 Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Award Winners:

Active Achievement Award

Sponsored by Skegness Gateway

Winner: Ruby Fox

Ruby began volunteering at Magna Vitae Gymnastics Club at age 12, quickly becoming a vital part of the Community Team. She expanded her impact by teaching swimming and later worked as a casual coach for various gymnastics programmes. Recently, she became the youngest qualified golf instructor in the country. She is driven to inspire children to embrace sports regardless of age, race, gender, or ability.

Active Change Award

sponsored by Lincolnshire Community Foundation

Winner: Ellie Andrew

Ellie has positively transformed both her mental and physical health by attending wheelchair basketball sessions. Ellie has struggled with her mental health since her teens. Attending wheelchair basketball is her ‘happy place’. Taking part in wheelchair basketball has helped build her confidence, provided her with more independence and given her motivation to recover.

Active Club Award

Winner: Boston Bluetits

Open water swimming group Boston Bluetits, was founded by Nicola Housam and Fran Mills and now has over 1,100 members. The Bluetits welcome everyone, fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.
The swims are always free, with optional summer and winter challenges available for swimmers of all levels. The club has created a supportive community of like minded individuals that promotes social inclusion and the development of friendships, allowing members to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of swimming in nature.

Active Event Award

Sponsored by the University of Lincoln, Lincoln International Business School MHPP Legacy

Winner: Inspire+ Mini Olympics

Charity Inspire+ organises the annual Mini Olympics for children across South Kesteven, attracting around 3,000 participants and volunteers. The event aims to inspire everyone to be more physically active, whether through school sport, community activities, or volunteering. Accommodating children of all abilities, it gives participants the opportunity to try exciting and inclusive activities such as wheelchair sports, boccia and boxercise.

Active Workplace Award

sponsored by The Engine Shed

Winner: Neonatal Unit at Lincoln County Hospital

In memory of a colleague, ten neonatal nurses from Lincoln County Hospital took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge. Their training inspired a movement of hiking and mountain climbing throughout the neonatal team. Staff supported the effort by cheering them on or pursuing their own hikes. The challenge fostered teamwork, camaraderie and fitness. The unit also promotes daily activity by encouraging stair use during the working day.

Active Youth Champion Award

Supported by Let's Move Lincolnshire

Winner: Ryan Pick

Ryan’s journey with Boston United began with the Community Foundation’s football fun days, where his passion for football evolved into a desire to give back. He started volunteering with the Community Foundation and has become an essential part of numerous projects. Recently he became a volunteer coach for the U13 football team, further deepening his contribution.

Impact On Health Award

sponsored by Chestnut Homes

Winner: Magna Vitae's Ageless & Agile Project

Magna Vitae’s Ageless & Agile project helps reduce social isolation and increase physical activity, health literacy, and understanding of managing long-term conditions. Sessions engage participants through interactive activities that boost skills, self-belief and confidence. Participants increase their activity levels naturally, learning to integrate movement into daily life.

Inclusion & Diversity Award

sponsored by England Golf

Winner: Cherry Judo Club

Cherry Judo Club is committed to promoting inclusion and diversity in judo. The club have worked hard to make adjustments to allow more people to enjoy judo. They offer adaptive judo sessions for individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, welcoming members with conditions including visual impairments, Downs Syndrome, autism and ADHD. The club is LGBTQIA+ friendly, supporting members undergoing transition.
Club coach Barry Lynas is also leading an initiative to expand access to judo for SEND pupils.

Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity Award

sponsored by PING

Winner: Dan Hone

As a former professional football player, Dan wanted to use his experience to inspire and mentor young people. Nine years ago, he established Kixx Lincoln with minimal resources. His initiative grew to engage over 600 children weekly. Recognising the need for an indoor football centre in Lincolnshire, he set up Active Arena which grew into a true community hub. With his team, Dan has positively impacted over 12,000 people.

Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award

sponsored by Lincoln College

Winner: Fosse Way Academy

Fosse Way Academy focus on providing positive sports experiences for students by expanding activities beyond the national curriculum. The school has participated in varied sporting events, including fencing, frisbee, judo, and football, with all 500 students representing the school at least once. The school fosters inclusivity and well-being, and has inspired many students to join local sports teams

Unsung Hero Award

sponsored by Better

Winner: Charles Rogers (Skegness Swimming Club)

Charles Rogers has dedicated over 47 year to swim coaching, He returned to coaching in retirement, helping to expand the Skegness Swimming Club and its volunteer base. For the past 15 years, he has volunteered over
10 hours per week as head coach of the club. Initially focused on competitive swimming, Charles adapted his skills to welcome swimmers of all levels and ambitions

A Special Recognition Award was also presented on the night, awarded to the outgoing Chief Executive of North Kesteven District Council, Ian Fytche. The award was an opportunity to recognise a lifetime of service to sport and physical activity, and thank Ian Fytche for the work he has done to promote and support a healthier, more active lifestyle for people across Lincolnshire.

Highlighting the transformative impact that physical activity has on people’s lives, this year’s celebration showcased the diversity of projects, activities, and achievements taking place right here in Lincolnshire, alongside the inspirational work and moving personal stories of our winners and finalists across every award category.

Emma Tatlow, CEO of Active Lincolnshire, said: “The awards evening was truly special; a fantastic celebration of 20 years of Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards. The finalists and winners have once again shown the remarkable power of sport and physical activity to positively transform lives and impact communities.

“For the last two decades, the awards have been a highlight of the Lincolnshire sport and physical activity calendar; they have not only recognised excellence but have also fostered a sense of community, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions and strive for greatness. We are proud to have this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the achievements and commitment of individuals, organisations, clubs and businesses who, through sport and physical activity, are improving the health and wellbeing of Lincolnshire residents.

“A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists - each of them should feel immensely proud of their exceptional achievements and the work they are doing to improve lives across the county. We’d also like to say thank you to our award sponsors, without whose support this community celebration would not be possible.”

Returning judge Zara McArdle, Head of Criminal Justice, Prosecutions and Custody at Lincolnshire Police added:

“As a returning judge, for the 20th anniversary edition of the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards, I am deeply honoured to once again celebrate the incredible champions of inclusivity and access in sport and physical activity across the county. This year’s nominees all have extraordinary dedication to breaking down barriers and creating accessible opportunities in sport and physical activities across the county for all. Their commitment to promoting and enabling participation for everyone is truly inspiring.

"It was a privilege to be able to read through all the nominations and, despite it being incredibly difficult because of the calibre of each of the nominees, it is fantastic to recognise the achievement and efforts of the amazing volunteers, individuals and organisations, who give their time, energy and passion. Their work is a testament to the power of inclusivity and each and every nominee is making a lasting impact and difference in our community. Once again, congratulations to everyone recognised at the awards last night and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate them.”

You can view all the finalists for our 2024 awards and find out more about them here.