Bedford Borough Council is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the 29th annual Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards. The awards ceremony was held on Monday evening, December 11, 2023, at Bedford Corn Exchange. This prestigious event is dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements in sports and physical activity within our communities. It showcased the remarkable talent and commitment of individuals, teams, and organisations throughout Bedford Borough.
The awards ceremony featured 13 categories, with 16 awards presented to deserving winners. These winners were selected from a pool of 119 nominees representing 39 different sports, such as tennis, tug of war, wheelchair racing, football and indoor bowls. The ceremony welcomed 390 guests, including 29 GB/England representatives, 10 World Championship representatives, and 2 Paralympic/Special Olympic representatives.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, who attended the event, expressed their excitement about the diverse range of nominees and the incredible achievements within the community, saying, "The Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards have once again highlighted the exceptional dedication and talent present in our communities across Bedford Borough.
“It's inspiring to hear the stories of individuals and groups excelling in various sports, promoting inclusivity, and making significant contributions to the well-being of local residents. I would also like to give my thanks to the Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Team for organising such a wonderful and well-planned event."
Among the notable winners were:
Club of the Year (sponsored by Be Active): Bedford Cricket Clubs, recognised for their outstanding performance across various categories and leagues.
Community Sport and Physical Activity Award (sponsored by Bedford Sports Foundation): Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club, acknowledged for their inclusive initiatives and community engagement.
Primary School of the Year (sponsored by Times Tables Rock Stars): Livingstone Primary School, celebrated for their commitment to providing diverse physical activities for students.
Secondary School of the Year (sponsored by Bedford Blues Foundation): Daubeney Academy, commended for their extensive PE provision and inclusive student leaders program.
Young Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Waitrose): Lewis Knox – Football, recognised for his outstanding contribution to coaching and volunteering.
Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Bedford Heights, Verve Developments Ltd): Sean Chigumba – Wheelchair Racing and Basketball, honoured for his remarkable achievements in wheelchair racing and basketball.
Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year: Christopher Bradley – Equestrian Dressage for riders with an Intellectual Disability, celebrated for his exceptional success in equestrian sports.
Junior Personality of the Year (sponsored by Rotary Club of Bedford Park): Gracie Wall – Athletics, acknowledged for her outstanding achievements in high jump and athletics.
Special Commendation for the Junior Personality of the Year: Lola Bracey – Football, Lola set up a petition to get more girls playing football in schools.
Team of the Year (sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire): Bedford Ladies Tug of War Team, recognised for their outstanding achievements at national and international championships.
Special Commendation for the Team of the Year: Shortstown Rangers FC U9’s Sharks – Football, Shortstown Rangers U9's is a team that has progressed massively since forming as a new team after lockdown in 2021.
Unsung Hero Award (sponsored by the Harpur Trust): Adnan Khan – Football, honoured for his tireless commitment to Queens Park Crescents F.C. and community football.
Special Commendation for the Unsung Hero Award: Steve Hawkins 1959-2023– Hockey, Subscription Officer, Clubhouse Renovator, Grounds Maintenance, Assisting the Club House and Sideline Supporter.
Coach of the Year (sponsored by the Bedford College Group): Hayley Mackellar – Netball, awarded for her leadership and coaching roles at various levels, including Netball Super League and international coaching.
Adult Personality of the Year (sponsored by Jewson Partnerships Solutions): Steph Daniels – Hockey, acknowledged for her remarkable return to hockey after a 40-year gap and active participation.
Service to Sport Award (sponsored by Bedford Borough Council): Neil Frankel – Tennis, recognised for his 25 years of dedicated service at Riverside Tennis Club and his outstanding contributions to disability tennis.
Cllr Gallagher concluded, "These awards are a testament to the passion and commitment that our community holds for sports and physical activity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their exceptional contributions. Your dedication is truly inspiring, and we look forward to another year of celebrating the achievements of our local sporting heroes."
Learn more about sport and physical activity available in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/Sport.