Exceptional and inspiring sporting stars from across the Charnwood area of Leicestershire, have been recognised at an annual awards ceremony.
The Charnwood Sports Awards took place on Monday (December 5) at Burleigh Court in Loughborough, bringing together fantastic athletes, community groups and clubs from around the borough.
Among the winners on the night, were 18-year-old Jacob Whittle, who trains at the British Swimming Performance Centre in Loughborough. Jacob won the Junior Sports Person award and collected his first medals at World and Commonwealth level in 2022 including taking home a gold and three silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Paralympian Olivia Breen, who trains at Loughborough University, won the Senior Sportsperson of the Year award after putting in top performances at the Commonwealth games.
This year’s awards were also about recognising health and wellbeing with the Ashmount School in Loughborough picking up an award for encouraging children to get involved in sport outside of PE lessons.
There was a total of nine categories including the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Special Recognition Award which recognises inspirational people or groups who have gone above and beyond and made outstanding achievements, in the face of adversity.
The Joe Humphries Memorial award went to Danny Lee who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021 and has used that experience to educate others about the condition and raise money for charity.
Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “A huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees in the Charnwood Sport Awards for this year.
“It has been a great event where we have come together to celebrate the sporting excellence that Charnwood has.
“The borough is fortunate to have not only elite athletes but also an incredible crop of young sporting talent who can be tomorrow’s superstars.
“This year’s awards were also about recognising the importance of staying active through sport to improve your health and wellbeing. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be about competition, but about being active.”
The winners also included Jane Parr, Kate Robertson, Steve Wilkinson, Watermead Day Nursery, and Loughborough Female Fitness.
