Active Humber recently attended the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards dinner held at the Centenary Pavillion, Elland Road. The event recognises the achievements, dedication, perseverance and hard work of athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs and schools from around the region who go the extra mile to offer inclusive opportunities in sport and physical activity.
Once again, the Humber was well represented with many organisations and individuals nominated for awards.
Guest speaker on the evening was our Community Ambassador, Paralympian and captain of the England Blind Football Team, Roy Turnham, who delivered an inspiring, uplifting and honest account of his journey through sport and physical from school to the present day and the many challenges he has overcome.
Following Roy’s speech was an exciting part of the evening, the presentation of ten awards. Active Humber were proud to sponsor the Team of the Year Award, won by Bradford, Keighley & Skipton Disability Athletics, and presented by Active Humber’s Development Manager, Ian Spencer.
The Humber region was once again recognised in several categories with Little Victories in the Community, based in Barton on Humber winning the Organisation of the Year Award and Shaun Grantham, one the coaches at Little Victories winning the Volunteer of the Year award.
Little Victories' mission is to change lives through inclusive sport and activity and they have certainly done that over the last twelve months. Little Victories have launched the new Sport England supported LV Active physical activity sessions for people with long term health conditions, teamed up with Vision Through Action to provide opportunities in visually impaired sport and taken frame football teams to play at Newcastle United as well as running their regular weekly sessions.
Shaun is integral to the work of Little Victories and was deservedly recognised for his selfless dedication, commitment and enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile for LV.
Active Humber's Community Ambassador, Roy Turnham, was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued success in blind football as well as his dedication to creating opportunities in grassroots sport for people with a visual impairment.
A special mention also to a friend of Active Humber, Angela Lydon, who won the Service to Sport Award for her work with Special Olympics GB on the MATP programme for athletes with profound and multiple disabilities.
Kath Lindley, Chief Executive Officer at DSY, said: "This was an evening of pride, inclusion and impact. From young achievers to lifetime contributors, we celebrate dedication, resilience and community leadership across Yorkshire and the Humber."
Congratulations to all winners and nominees - we are looking forward to 2027 already!
