Behind many successful community sports events are volunteers who quietly give their time to help others enjoy being active. Tanya Knight is one of those people, dedicating countless hours to encouraging others to enjoy the benefits of walking, running and swimming.

Tanya was recognised for her commitment and dedication to helping others move more, as a finalist in the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025.

For many years Tanya has been a key part of Boston parkrun, volunteering as a Run Director while also taking part whenever she is not fulfilling her volunteer duties. When the Event Director moved away for work, Tanya stepped up to help take on additional responsibilities, supporting the event and helping answer parkrun queries almost daily. Her commitment helps ensure the event continues to run smoothly and remains welcoming to everyone.

Tanya finds volunteering extremely rewarding - as she says:

I really enjoy giving something back. I love seeing people's journeys. I love watching the parkrun kids, as we call them, grow from 4 years old when they first start, up to when they're adults, and then you watch them getting married, and going to university, and its amazing that journey of people

Tanya has also played an important role in widening access to sport. She was instrumental in helping to establish a parkrun at North Sea Camp Prison, giving prisoners who are approaching release the chance to take part in a positive, inclusive activity. The event offers participants a sense of community, enjoyment and encouragement, while also introducing them to a healthy activity they can continue once they return to life outside the prison.

Her dedication to grassroots sport does not stop there. Tanya was also a driving force behind setting up the junior parkrun in Central Park, Boston. She took on the challenge of raising the funds required by parkrun UK to bring the event to life. Now held every Sunday morning, the junior parkrun provides children with a fun and supportive environment where they can enjoy running and develop confidence through physical activity.

In addition to her parkrun involvement, Tanya has volunteered as a coach with Boston Triathlon Club and supported a newly formed track club, helping athletes of different ages and abilities develop their skills.

What makes Tanya’s contribution particularly special is that much of it happens quietly and without recognition. She gives up a significant amount of her own time each week simply to help others benefit from sport and community.

Volunteers like Tanya are the backbone of grassroots sport, and her dedication makes her a truly deserving unsung hero.

Hear from Tanya in this video filmed for the 2025 Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards.