Lancashire's Health, Community and Sustainability Champions Celebrated at the Active Lancashire Awards

Individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses from across Lancashire were celebrated at this year’s Active Lancashire Awards, held at Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, on Friday 15th November.

The 22nd edition of the event, organised by charity Active Lancashire, welcomed over 300 guests from across the county. Previously known as the Lancashire Sports Awards, the evening recognised the dedication of nominees in promoting health, inclusion, community cohesion, and sporting excellence.

With 95 nominees across ten categories, the competition was fierce. Judges awarded ten winners and an additional eight Highly Commended trophies to recognise the exceptional calibre of entrants. Many nominees became finalists due to having already won district awards in areas across the county, while others applied directly or were nominated by friends and family.

The ceremony was sponsored by Newground Together, with additional support from Lancashire-based organisations sponsoring award categories. Rising singer-songwriter Aaron Hipgrave-Lewis provided entertainment, while interactive activities were hosted by Pendle YES Hub, Challenge Through Sport Initiative, Lancashire Sport Welfare Officers, and Active Learning Zone.

Worldies CIC, a health and wellbeing group which has supported over 10,000 women from various backgrounds since it opened in 2022, picked up the prestigious Activating Communities Award sponsored by GLL. Directors and founders Claire Johnson and Emer-Jay Van-Gills were delighted to be recognised at the Awards, saying in their acceptance speech, “Thank you so much to the Judges and Active Lancashire for this Award. To say we are super proud and grateful would be an understatement. We truly are stunned that we have been awarded winners of the Activating Communities Award.

“This means so much to Worldies Offical CIC, a whole community of women who volunteer so much of themselves to ensure we have the amazing, empowering, fun, safe space that we have today. To receive this recognition from Active Lancashire really is fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring awards evening.”

Also amongst the winners was Blackpool Scorpions Rugby League Club, who picked up the Club of the Year Award sponsored by Lancashire Sport Welfare Officers. Within their acceptance speech, Coaches expressed their delight stating, “We are honoured and proud to be winners of the award against strong competition.

“It is a welcome recognition for the hard work and dedication of players, parents, coaches and volunteers who have been instrumental in providing rugby league for the children of Blackpool. Special thanks goes to Dave Ratcliffe for his service to the club over many decades.”

Speaking at the event, Adrian Leather, CEO of Active Lancashire, said: “Through these awards, we take immense pride in celebrating individuals and groups from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and abilities, united by their shared passion and unwavering dedication to promoting physical activity. Each nominee is an ambassador for the positive impacts of an active lifestyle, whether by inspiring others, enhancing community wellbeing, or breaking down barriers to participation.”

Active Lancashire Chair Brian Cookson added: “This event showcases the incredible efforts of those working to make Lancashire a healthier, more active place. We are thrilled to celebrate so many inspiring achievements, including the introduction of a new Sustainability Award to honour contributions towards reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices. It’s a privilege to highlight these efforts and amplify their impact.”

The evening also raised over £1,000 for Active Cycles, a bike shop in Accrington that refurbishes discarded bikes to sell at low cost. Funds raised will support donations of bikes to school Bikeability schemes across Lancashire.

A full gallery of photos can be viewed on Active Lancashire’s Facebook page.

Activating Communities, sponsored by GLL

Winner: Worldies CIC

Club of the Year, Sponsored by Lancashire Sport Welfare Officers

Winner: Blackpool Scorpions Rugby League Club
Highly Commended: Pendle Gymnastics

Coach of the Year, Sponsored by UCLAN

Winner: Andy Bibby
Highly Commended: Miriam and Carl Eaton

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Award, Sponsored by Electricity North West

Winner: The Bay
Highly Commended: iHope Fylde Tossers

Health and Wellbeing Award, Sponsored by Preston North End Community and Education Trust

Winner: Mark Smedley
Highly Commended: Mellors Catering

Jimmy Armfield Lifetime Achievement Award, Sponsored by Konsileo

Winner: Shelly Whitehead
Highly Commended: Allan Clarkin

Primary School of the Year, Sponsored by Spencer Clarke Group

Winner: Audley Junior School
Highly Commended: Winmarleigh Primary School

Secondary School of the Year, Sponsored by Spencer Clarke Group

Winner: Garstang Community Academy

Volunteer of the Year, Sponsored by Challenge through Sport Initiative

Winner: Narseen Valli
Highly Commended: John Tomlinson

Young Achiever of the Year, Sponsored by Galloways

Winner: Jennifer Heathcoate
Highly Commended: Arran Gorry

Special Recognition Community Engagement

Fleetwood Triathlon Club