The Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity Award celebrates individuals, groups or organisations making an outstanding contribution to providing opportunities for people to have a positive experience of physical activity. Take a look at the 2026 finalists for this award below.

Finalists

John Copsey

John has dedicated more than 55 years to volunteering and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sport and physical activity. His contribution spans swimming and tennis, from teaching children to swim and leading one of Britain’s most successful swimming clubs, to transforming grassroots tennis across Lincolnshire through leadership, governance and inclusion.

As Chair of Lincolnshire Tennis from 2016 to 2025 and its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, John championed initiatives including Tennis4AllLincolnshire, Pride in Tennis and Rainbow Laces, helping remove barriers and create more inclusive opportunities. His leadership also saw Lincolnshire become the first county to achieve 100% compliance with the LTA County Governance Framework, while the organisation was named 2025 LTA Member Organisation of the Year.

At Washingborough Tennis Club, John secured funding for floodlights, court improvements and a new community Multi-Use Games Area. In swimming, he grew City of Lincoln Pentaqua from 40 to 400 members, supporting athletes who went on to become national and European champions, a world medallist and four Olympians. His extraordinary commitment has helped thousands of people access, enjoy and succeed in sport.

Chris Duncan (Chris the Mindset Coach CIC)

Chris Duncan has transformed physical activity into a powerful tool for improving health, confidence and community connection. Through his fitness and wellbeing programme for pre-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women, he has created a supportive community where women feel welcomed, understood and empowered. Many participants had never taken part in organised exercise before, while others arrived managing pain, health challenges or a lack of confidence. His patience, empathy and encouragement help everyone feel capable, while his sessions improve strength, mobility, fitness and overall wellbeing.

His commitment goes beyond exercise. Each month, he organises workshops with health specialists and organisations, giving participants valuable knowledge to better understand their health and make positive lifestyle changes. His impact also extends to men's wellbeing groups, rehabilitation sessions for people recovering from neurological conditions and personalised coaching. Across everything he does, he combines expertise with genuine care, creating opportunities for people to become healthier, stronger and more confident. Humble and community-focused, his work demonstrates the powerful difference a dedicated coach can make to people's lives.

Inspire+

For more than two decades independent sports and education charity Inspire+ has been creating high-quality opportunities for children and young people to be healthy, happy and active while reducing barriers to participation. Its impact is significant. In 2023/24, inspire+ facilitated more than 1,900 hours of coaching, leadership and active play alongside over 2,000 hours of inclusive sport and activity. During the past year, its 53 School Games Organiser events engaged more than 9,350 pupils from schools across the county. The inspire+ Mini Olympics alone brought together more than 2,000 children over three days, supported by 100+ volunteers, giving young people opportunities to experience teamwork, achievement and the enjoyment of being active.

Alongside major events, inspire+ provides school memberships, inclusive programmes, leadership opportunities, holiday activities and community provision. Its sustained commitment has helped thousands of young people access positive experiences, develop confidence and skills, and build a lifelong relationship with physical activity.

The winners for all award categories will be announced at our Award Ceremony on 12 November. View all our 2026 award finalists here.