Do you know a sporting or physical activity hero in Bedford Borough?
We want you to nominate your sporting heroes for our annual Sports and Physical Activity Awards.
The event celebrates the outstanding individuals, coaches, clubs, volunteers and schools who contribute to making Bedford Borough’s sporting and physical activity community so inspiring and inclusive.
The 2026 Awards feature 14 categories, offering something for everyone involved in sport and physical activity across the Borough, including:
• Adult Personality of the Year (sponsored by Jewson Partnership Solutions)
• Junior Personality of the Year (sponsored by Rotary Club of Bedford Park)
• Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Manor Hospital, part of Circle Health Group)
• Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Gale Family Charity Trust)
• Club of the Year (sponsored by Be Active)
• Community Person Award (sponsored by Bedford Sports Foundation)
• Community Club/Group Award (sponsored by Better, Bedford Leisure Facilities)
• Primary School of the Year (sponsored by Times Tables Rock Stars)
• Secondary School of the Year (sponsored by DJT Surfacing Ltd)
• Team of the Year (sponsored by the University of Bedfordshire)
• Coach of the Year (sponsored by The Bedford College Group)
• Unsung Hero (sponsored by Harpur Trust)
• Young Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association)
• Service to Sport (sponsored by Bedford Borough Council).
To qualify, nominees must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill or contribution in their category over the past year.
Cllr John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; “This year’s awards are a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the commitment and passion of those who help sport and physical activity thrive in the Borough.
“From community volunteers to schools and sporting personalities, now is the time to nominate your local sporting hero and celebrate their amazing achievements and impact on our communities.”
Nominations open on Monday 28 September.
To make a nomination or to find out more information, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/sportsawards
The deadline for all nominations is on Tuesday 17 November at 5pm.
All nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony on Monday 7 December at the Bedford Corn Exchange.