Sport winners who work for Greater good
SHINING a spotlight on the role sport and physical activity plays in changing lives is very important to GreaterSport.
The 19th annual awards returned to Emirates Old Trafford last month with more than 500 guests coming together to celebrate the outstanding talent, hard work and passion of those who go the extra mile to deliver community grassroots sport across the city region.
Recognised for their outstanding contributions over the last 12 months, ten winners enjoyed a fantastic evening packed with inspirational stories, including Kirsty Rowlinson-Groves – the winner of the Commitment to GM Moving award.
An expert fitness instructor, Kirsty developed and led the successful CAN:Move cancer exercise referral scheme in Salford.
Kirsty is now the GM Active programme manager for the region wide Prehab4Cancer programme.
Her ‘can- do’ attitude, plus expert knowledge was crucial in the co-design and delivery of this innovative scheme.
It will enable 2,000 Greater Manchester residents diagnosed with cancer to engage in physical activity for improved clinical outcomes and lifetime benefits.
Kirsty’s knowledge, experience, warmth and empathy helping them start and crucially, continue exercising throughout their cancer pathway and beyond.
Other winners on the evening were:
Sports Achiever of the Year sponsored by GM Active: Caitlyn Saddington – Wigan.
Caitlyn competes in Para Dressage at Gold level and became National Gold Champion in February 2019. Caitlyn represents Great Britain in 2* and 3* events, achieving 2nd place at international level this year.
Changing Lifestyle Award sponsored by
GM Ageing Hub: Alan Richmond – Wigan.
Alan attended the ‘Lets Get Movin’ programme and has lost two stone over the last 12 months. He now inspires people around him to make healthier choices and volunteers at ‘Go Wild Camps’ and ‘Lets Get Movin’ sessions weekly.
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Emirates Old Trafford: Elham Afzal – Rochdale.
A sports volunteer for several organisations, Elham has dedicated over 540 hours since September 2017.
Workforce Advocate of the Year supported by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership: Aidan Tevlin – Tameside.
Aidan is a swimming teacher who works with 10-16-year-olds on a voluntary basis.
Unsung Hero of the Year sponsored by HGA Creative: Roger Boyer – Stockport.
Roger has devoted his adult life to volunteering his time and expertise to Stockport Metro Swimming Club, local church, charities and the Cheshire County & Northern County Swimming Associations.
Initiative of the Year Award sponsored by GM Active: Solemother – Trafford.
School Commitment to PE and Sport sponsored by SLS: Holy Family RC Primary School – Rochdale.
‘Wake up and shake’ is carried out daily, lessons are taken outside where possible and additional specialists are brought in. PE is a focus on the timetable with all classes receiving at least two hours per week.
Active Workplace of the Year Award supported by GM Moving: Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Borough Council supports employees to be physically active in partnership with Link4Life through a new staff wellbeing strategy, Your Workplace Wellbeing.
To see more details of the event, visit greatersport.co.uk/ awards.