Individuals, schools, clubs and community organisations from across Lincolnshire have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to improving health, wellbeing and opportunities for people to be active at this year's Lincolnshire Sport and Physical Activity Awards.
Organised by Active Lincolnshire in partnership with Lincolnshire Community Foundation, the 2026 awards celebrated the people making a real difference through sport and physical activity in communities across the county.
Among the night's biggest winners was Fighting Fit, delivered by Lincoln City Foundation, which picked up both the Impact on Health Award and the People's Choice Award following a public vote.
A Special Recognition Award was presented by Active Lincolnshire Chair, Paul Barron, to Liam Scully, Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln City Football Club, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport and physical activity across Lincolnshire. Under Liam's leadership, the club achieved promotion to the Championship while deepening its impact in the community, inspiring people of all ages to get involved in football and helping improve health and wellbeing across the county.
Laura Nelson, an instructor from Station Leisure and Learning Centre in Mablethorpe, received the Active Change Award, sponsored by Chestnut Homes, recognising the positive impact physical activity has had on her wellbeing and career.
Justyna Łukaszuk, founder of White Eagle Cultural and Development Centre CIC based in Spalding, was named winner of the Community Champion Award, sponsored by East Lindsey District Council, while Branston Church of England Infants School picked up the Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award, sponsored by The Engine Shed, for helping children develop confidence and positive attitudes towards being active.
The evening also celebrated organisations creating lasting impact across Lincolnshire. inspire+ received the Active Skills Award, while Sleaford Snails was recognised as Active Club for providing welcoming opportunities for people of all abilities to take part in sport and physical activity.
Nigel Oldham received the Unsung Hero Award for his commitment to Lincoln Vulcans Swimming Club, while John Copsey, former Chair of Lincolnshire Tennis, was recognised with the Outstanding Service to Sport and Physical Activity Award for his long-standing dedication to helping others enjoy the benefits of being active.
Emma Tatlow, Chief Executive of Active Lincolnshire, said:
"These awards celebrate the incredible people and organisations using physical activity to improve lives across Lincolnshire. Every winner and finalist has shown the significant benefits of being active has in boosting wellbeing, bringing communities together and creating lasting positive change."
Heather Arnatt, Deputy CEO of Lincolnshire Community Foundation, said:
"We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Active Lincolnshire to deliver this year's awards. The persistence, creativity and commitment shown by grassroots sports clubs, volunteers and community organisations across Lincolnshire are a powerful reminder of the difference local people make every day.”
Active Lincolnshire would like to thank sponsors including Chestnut Homes, East Lindsey District Council and The Engine Shed for supporting this year's awards and helping recognise the people and organisations making a positive difference across Lincolnshire.
Winners
- Active Change Award: Laura Nelson
- Active Skills Award: inspire+
- Active Club Award: Sleaford Snails
- Impact on Health Award: Fighting Fit
- Community Champion Award: Justyna Łukaszuk
- Inclusion and Diversity Award: Lincoln United LGBTQ Football Club
- Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity Award: John Copsey
- Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award: Branston Church of England Infants School
- Unsung Hero Award: Nigel Oldham
- People's Choice Award: Fighting Fit
- Special Recognition Award: Liam Scully
