Sporting heroes celebrated at Active Awards

The awards, which recognise the impact that sport and keeping active can make to the lives of residents across the borough, were presented by Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Bools.

Special guest Vikki Macqueen BEM was also on stage throughout the night to celebrate the winners. Macqueen is a former Saracens, Lichfield and England rugby player and founder of Didi Rugby.

This year’s award winners were:

Active School Award: Congerstone Primary School

Congerstone Primary school believes that good mental health and physical opportunities are the basis of being active. The school’s wide range of activities encourage students to try new things and learn valuable skills for the future, underpinning their ethos of ‘Building, Learning, and Power’.

Junior Club of the Year: Burbage Taekwondo Academy

In the last year, the academy successfully raised money for eight students to go to the Taekwondo World Championships in Uzbekistan. They were the only UK representatives among 1,200 competitors from 34 countries. Instructors Miss Lyn Talbott and Mrs Maxine Higginson were instrumental in securing sponsorship for the trip.

This award gives special mention to Master Wayne Higginson, a former Taekwondo World Champion who is committed to sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of martial artists.

Junior Unsung Hero: Chris Ayres

Chris volunteers at Green Towers Club for Young People and gives up his summer and Easter holidays to volunteer for out-of-school clubs. He helps children with their mental and physical wellbeing through sports.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Megan Havers

Olympic archer Megan took her GCSE exams in May 2024 at South Charnwood High School while qualifying and training for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Aged just 16, Megan made her Olympic debut reaching the women’s individual round of 16, losing narrowly to eventual gold medallist Lim Si-hyeon.

School Team of the Year: St Peter's Primary School – Under 11s girls' table tennis team

Speaking about the team, who are champions of Leicestershire, their nominee said: “Beyond their achievements on the court, these girls are excellent role models for our school community. They encourage younger students to play sports and get active, and the younger children aspire to be the next generation of table tennis champions.”

School Wellbeing Award: Brookvale Groby School and Congerstone Primary School

Brookvale integrate wellbeing into all areas of school life. The school celebrates World Mental Health Day, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. The campus also raises funds for mental health charities, encourages students to wear badges to raise awareness, and communicates well with parents.

The school offers a dedicated LGBTQ+ support group, providing a safe space for students to share experiences and access support. They also offer one-on-one support to students with emotional or mental health needs.

Inspiring Instructor: Stephen Beamish

Steve helped set up the No Balls Ladies Cricket Club a year ago with his friend John. One of the players on the No Balls Cricket Team has described Stephen as “so encouraging for us ladies, always turning up to training and matches despite his many health issues, he never complains.  He's been voted in as our President this year which is a well-deserved honour.”

The Matt Hamson ‘Let’s Get Moving’ Inclusivity Award: Sarah Shelby’s Stars

Shelby’s Stars does an incredible job teaching special education needs students of all ages to dance. Students are proud and confident to perform and are supported as much or little as needed on stage. They are a big part of the community, putting on events throughout the year in Hinckley.

Sports Club of the Year: Hinckley Town Tennis Club (HTTC)

In recent times, the club provided a safe and welcoming space for Ukrainian families to come together and play sport, providing coaching and free memberships to numerous families. These efforts have had a lasting impact on the local Ukrainian population, helping to ease their transition into life in the UK.

The club, who have strong community bonds, are dedicated to offering inclusive tennis programmes for people with disabilities and reducing barriers to participation.

Team of the Year: Alderman Smith’s No Balls

Beyond league matches, Alderman Smith No Balls cricket club have participated in gala days at various clubs, showcasing their skills and fostering community connections. Their growth and inclusive ethos attracted players of all abilities, proving that cricket is for everyone. They remain committed to training and welcoming new players.

Steve and John’s vision has transformed into a thriving, diverse community united by a shared love for the game, demonstrating the unifying power of sport and inclusivity.

Outstanding Contribution: Colin Magee

Colin, 82, founded the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA) in 1967. The aim has always been to make sailing affordable and accessible to all people in the community, especially the disadvantaged and disabled.

When their training centre was threatened with closure in 2017, Colin brought a group of loyal committee members together and raised £250,000 to build a new clubhouse and bring in new amenities. Colin is still running the LRYSA despite recent ill health.

Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Preston

Rebecca started out at AFC Barwell as a parent and spectator but now volunteers as club secretary, helping the club win Leicestershire and Rutland County FA Football Club of the Year 2024.

As secretary, Rebecca liaises between the club’s 21 teams and the leagues they compete in. She has also helped to arrange the club’s annual children’s Christmas party, decorated the clubhouse and taken on kitchen duties.

Rebecca’s dedication and impact extends beyond playing sports. Without volunteers like Rebecca working hard behind the scenes, a lot of clubs would not exist.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Bools said: “I would like to congratulate all nominees and the individual award winners. Yet again, judges have had the most difficult task picking winners in each category. The sheer number of worthy nominees is inspirational.

“It is vital that we recognise those individuals across the borough who go above and beyond. Keeping active and helping others to do the same and pursue dreams or even just take up a new hobby for physical and mental health should be celebrated and from the stories I have heard tonight we have a wealth of experience and talent in Hinckley and Bosworth - they all deserve our warmest congratulations and appreciation.”