Awards recognise those using physical activity to improve lives
The efforts and achievements of individuals and groups who are using physical activity to help improve the lives of people across Derbyshire have been recognised at the first ‘Towards an Active Derbyshire’ Awards.
The event showcased individuals who have used physical activity to achieve outstanding change in themselves, as well as some incredible tales of what others have done to transform the lives, health and wellbeing of members of their communities.
The awards celebrated all of the amazing work happening in our communities and Active Derbyshire, who organised the event, wanted the opportunity to thank the volunteers, groups and staff who help to make physical activity the norm.
The inaugural Towards an active Derbyshire Awards, organised by Active Derbyshire, were held at the Sports Direct Auditorium in Shirebrook on Wednesday, March 6, and sponsored by Chesterfield College, Derby City Council, the University of Derby, Strategic Leisure, Legacy Leisure, Active Nation, and Derbyshire County Council.
Attended by 200 guests, the event was hosted by Colin Hazelden (right) and included performances from choir CoDA Chromatics, dance group Trinity Warriors, and a spoken word performance from Rhythmical Mike.
The winner of the Change4Life Award was 64-year-old Norman Todd, who joined Livewell, Derby City Council’s free healthy lifestyle service, four years ago. Through physical activity and healthy eating Norman lost ten stone in one year alone, and is now physical active for up to three hours every day.
The This Girl Can Award was presented to Sophie Widdowson from Duckmanton (below) who has lost weight after taking part in multiple sporting sessions and activities and also going on to regional and national success in both tennis and basketball.
Martial arts coach Dave Cartawick, who has been coaching in Chesterfield for more than 25 years, was named Community Coach of the Year. He is passionate about engaging young people in sport and activity and works with local schools, Chesterfield College and community groups to increase participation in sport in general and martial arts in particular, running regular classes to encourage children and teenagers to become more active.
Chesterfield College’s Healthy Lifestyle project was named Project or Innovation of the Year. Funded by Sport England through the Tackling Inactivity in Colleges stream, the project is designed to open out physical activity opportunities to students that have been identified as physically inactive, primarily women and girls, disabled students and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Active Derbyshire works in partnership with the local authorities and a wide range of other partners to get people active in Derbyshire.
A full list of winners and runners-up can be found here.
Photography credit: Ian Hodgkinson- PictureIt Media
