The Commonwealth Games have a unique ability to bring communities together. They showcase sporting excellence, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and remind us that every athlete’s journey starts somewhere – often in a local club, leisure centre, community facility or school. As Glasgow 2026 gets under way, we at Active Lincolnshire are proud to celebrate three athletes with strong Lincolnshire roots who’ll represent Team England on one of sport’s biggest stages: Amy Pharaoh, Zac Shaw and Freya Colbert.

Their stories are different, but they share something important: they demonstrate what is possible when people have the opportunity, support and encouragement to be active and pursue their potential. At Active Lincolnshire, that belief sits at the heart of everything we do.

From Lincolnshire to the Commonwealth Games

Amy Pharaoh – A lifetime in bowls

Born in Grimsby and closely associated with Cleethorpes Bowls Club, Amy is one of England’s most decorated bowls players. Her journey began as a child, accompanying her parents to local bowls matches before deciding she wanted to get involved herself. By her early teens she was already competing at a national level, and today she’s a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Amy’s story is a brilliant reminder that sport is for all ages. Bowls is often perceived as a sport for older adults, yet Amy’s success started as a young girl on local greens in Lincolnshire. Her journey highlights how opportunities within community sport can create lifelong participation, friendships and achievement.

As she prepares for another Commonwealth Games appearance in Glasgow, Amy continues to inspire participants across generations.

Zac Shaw – Breaking barriers

Grimsby-born Paralympian Zac Shaw is one of Britain’s leading visually impaired sprinters. After developing Stargardt disease as a child, Zac experienced significant sight loss during his school years. However, through sport, determination and support from those around him, he discovered a pathway into para-athletics and has gone on to achieve remarkable success.

Zac has represented Team England at multiple Commonwealth Games, winning silver in Birmingham 2022 and earning international medals at World Championships and the Paralympic Games.

His story demonstrates the power of inclusive sport. A teacher who introduced him to disability sport helped open a door that changed his life. Today, Zac is not only an elite athlete but also a role model for disabled people across Lincolnshire and beyond, showing that barriers can be overcome when opportunities are accessible and welcoming.

`Freya Colbert – Making waves on the world stage

Born and raised in Grantham, Freya Colbert has become one of the most exciting swimmers in British sport. Having attended Kesteven & Grantham Girls’ School, Freya progressed through local swimming pathways before becoming a Commonwealth medallist, World Champion and Olympian.

Freya represented Team England at Birmingham 2022, winning bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay, and returns to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as one of England’s brightest medal hopes.

Her success shows the importance of supporting children and young people to be active, develop confidence and follow their passions. Like many elite athletes, Freya’s journey began with a love of sport and access to opportunities close to home.

More than medals

The Commonwealth Games are about much more than sporting success. As Sport England highlights, they are one of the most inclusive major sporting events in the world, bringing together athletes and para-athletes, celebrating diversity, and showcasing the positive impact of sport and physical activity on individuals and communities.

This aligns closely with our vision because we want everyone in Lincolnshire to have the opportunity to move more, regardless of their age, background, ability, income or location. We know that too many people still face barriers to being active. These barriers can include cost, transport, confidence, health conditions, disability, social isolation or simply a lack of opportunities that feel right for them.

Addressing those challenges requires more than delivering programmes. It requires place-based working and systemic change.

Creating active places across Lincolnshire

Across Boston, East Lindsey, South Holland and communities throughout Lincolnshire, we’re working with local authorities, health partners, education providers, voluntary organisations, clubs, community groups and residents to create lasting change.

Our approach is rooted in collaboration. We know that no single organisation can tackle inequality on its own. By bringing partners together, we can better understand the barriers different communities face and co-design solutions that make physical activity more accessible, welcoming and sustainable.

Whether that means creating opportunities for children and young people to be active, supporting older adults to maintain independence and wellbeing, or ensuring people with disabilities can access inclusive activities, our focus is on building environments where movement becomes part of everyday life.

This place-based approach recognises that every community is different. What works in a coastal community in East Lindsey may look different to what is needed in Boston or the rurality of South Holland. By listening, learning and working alongside local people, we can create solutions that reflect local needs and strengths.

Inspiring the next generation

Amy, Zac and Freya may compete on the international stage, but their stories started in local communities.

They are powerful examples of what can happen when people are given opportunities to participate, develop skills, build confidence and discover what they are capable of achieving.

For children and young people, they show that dreams can begin in a school, club or leisure centre right here in Lincolnshire.

For older adults, Amy demonstrates that sport and physical activity can provide lifelong enjoyment, social connection and achievement.

For people with disabilities, Zac’s journey is a reminder that barriers should never define potential.

Their success belongs not only to them, but also to the families, coaches, volunteers, teachers, clubs and communities who supported them along the way.

Good luck Team Lincolnshire

As Glasgow 2026 begins, everyone at Active Lincolnshire wishes Amy Pharaoh, Zac Shaw and Freya Colbert the very best of luck.

We’ll be cheering them on with enormous pride as they represent Team England and showcase the talent, determination and resilience that exists across our county.

Their journeys remind us why creating active communities matters. Every person deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport and physical activity, and every community deserves access to environments that support healthy, active lives.

Together with our partners across Lincolnshire, we’ll continue working to break down inequalities, create opportunities and build a future where everyone can be active.

Because the next Amy, Zac or Freya could be starting their journey today.