Five Loughborough College staff and students were amongst the winners at Charnwood Borough Council’s Sports Award gala last night.
The awards highlighted the work and dedication of individuals, clubs, coaches, and volunteers across the borough and, for the first time, included schools and workplaces making a difference in health and wellbeing.
Gold medals went to Danny Lee, Olivia Breen, Kate Robertson, Jacob Whittle, and Steve Wilkinson.
Jo Maher, Principal and CEO of Loughborough College, was in attendance and said: “It was an incredible evening, and I am so proud of everyone who was nominated and that won awards. Sport is a huge part of Loughborough and has a great community impact.
“After having played for Loughborough Foxes, Steve Wilkinson’s award for Outstanding Contribution was a special moment and well deserved. Well done to all.”
Danny Lee was the recipient of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Award, which recognises inspirational people or groups who have gone above and beyond and made outstanding achievements in the face of adversity.
Danny was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021. Since then, he has used his experience to educate staff and students about spotting the signs of testicular cancer and raised over £2,000 for charity ‘Oddballs’ through a sponsored 10km run.
Kate Robertson was recognised as Junior Ambassador of the Year for her work as a This Girl Can Ambassador for the past two years. Kate’s efforts have helped create fair and inclusive opportunities for women to get active at the college.
The Junior Sports Person title went to Jacob Whittle in recognition of the young swimmer’s success at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games earlier this year. The 18- year-old took home a gold medal as part of the British 4x100m Medley team and silvers in the 4x100m Freestyle, 4x200m Freestyle and 4x100m Mixed events.
Paralympian Olivia Breen received the Senior Sports Person award in part for her success for Wales in the Commonwealth Games. Whilst College Lecturer and Elite Sports Specialist Steve Wilkinson received acknowledgement for Outstanding Contribution from his 16 years working at the College and with Loughborough Foxes women’s football team.
Award’s host Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “A huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees in the Charnwood Sport Awards for this year.
“This year’s awards were also about recognising the importance of staying active through sport to improve your health and wellbeing. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be about competition, but about being active.”