Sport’s role in changing lives across London was in the spotlight at Wembley Stadium last night (8 March), as the London Sport Awards took centre stage. In a ceremony high on inspiration and celebration, eight projects and individuals were acknowledged for their work in improving the lives of Londoners over the past year.
On an evening where the importance of women’s sport was frequently returned to in light of International Women’s Day, Southwark-based Latin American Multicultural Group’s “LA LIGA” Female Recreational Football League, Muslimah Sports Association and Partners’ Asian Women’s Workforce Partnership, and Hackney-based Core Sport were among the big winners, triumphing in the London Together, Workforce and Club of the Year categories respectively.
Other results saw Elaine Wyllie – The Daily Mile Foundation triumph in the Children and Young People category, Move It, Lose It – Palace for Life Foundation carry away the Physical Activity for Health Award, and England Athletics’ Team Personal Best initiative recognised for Harnessing the Power of Elite Sport. Camden’s Race to Health project was awarded the Technology for Participation Award for their work in using gamification and digital technology to get young people in Camden and Islington active, while in the only individual category, Haringey’s Adrian Klemens was named Volunteer of the Year for his commitment to Dynamic Sports Academy over the past decade.
Speaking at the event, former England and Arsenal captain, Faye White, spoke of her experiences from young footballer to England captain, and hailed the “fantastic projects and winners” highlighted throughout the evening’s celebrations.
Matthew Ryder, London’s Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, spoke of the Mayor of London’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport in the capital, and saluted the role of sport in bringing together different communities of Londoners across the capital.
Tove Okunniwa, London Sport Chief Executive and Chair of the London Sport Awards judging panel, said:
“This year’s Awards saw some incredible people and projects nominated for their work in giving Londoners meaningful opportunities to lead happier and healthier lives through sport. Every winner and nominee has had a significant impact on the health and prosperity of London; this commitment to grassroots sport, makes our great city a real blueprint for places around the world. I’m delighted to have seen so many inspirational stories given the platform they deserve at the London Sport Awards.”
Full list of winners at the London Sport Awards 2018:
Volunteer of the Year in association with Davies Sports
Adrian Klemens | London Borough of Haringey
Runners Up: Mel Hudson; Omar Shariff
The Physical Activity for Health Award in association with Westfield Health
Move It, Lose It – Palace for Life Foundation | London Borough of Croydon
Runners Up: The Running Charity; Westbury Medical Centre
The Workforce Award in association with Premier
Muslimah Sports Association and Partners – Asian Women’s Workforce Partnership | London Borough of Redbridge
Runners Up: TAGS; Disability Sports Coach
The Technology for Participation Award in association with Fieldfisher
Camden Council, Health and Wellbeing Team – Race to Health | London Borough of Camden
Runners Up: MyLocalPitch; The Let’s Do This 8 Week Challenge
The Children and Young People Award in association with Playwaze
Elaine Wyllie – The Daily Mile Foundation | Pan-London
Runners Up: Snow-Camp; London Youth Rowing
The London Together Award in association with the Mayor of London
Latin American Multicultural Group – “LA LIGA” Female Recreational Football League | London Borough of Southwark
Runners Up: Camden Boccia; Snow-Camp
The Harnessing the Power of Elite Sport Award in association with the Mayor of London
England Athletics – Team Personal Best | Pan-London
Runners Up: England and Wales Cricket Board, The MCC & the 4 London Cricket Boards; British Taekwondo; England Boxing
Club of the Year in association with Wembley Stadium Meetings and Events
Core Sport | London Borough of Hackney
Runners Up: BIGKID Foundation; Out to Swim
