Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development team has celebrated the 30th Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of local athletes, clubs, volunteers and schools at a special anniversary ceremony attended by more than 550 guests at the Bedford Corn Exchange. This year’s event saw 125 nominees recognised across 14 categories, plus six Special Commendation Awards, highlighting the depth and diversity of sporting talent and community commitment across the Borough.
As a special anniversary treat, guests enjoyed video messages from past winners and sporting figures including Ellie Rattu (England Netball), Barry Fry (Director of Football at Peterborough United FC), Tim Foster MBE (Team GB Rowing), Jan Emms (Women’s Football), Gail Emms (Team GB Badminton), Etienne Stott MBE (Team GB Canoe Slalom) and tennis umpire James Keothavong. The 30th anniversary ceremony looked back at three decades of success while shining a spotlight on today’s inspirational local heroes.
Among this year’s winners, Star Rowing Club took home Club of the Year after qualifying multiple crews for Henley Royal Regatta, excelling at Henley Masters and securing an impressive haul of medals at the World Masters Regatta in Spain. Bedford Ladies Tug of War Team were named Team of the Year in recognition of a phenomenal season that included national league titles across four weight classes and medals at the British, Irish and World Championships.
In the school categories, Livingstone Primary School was recognised for ensuring every pupil enjoys daily opportunities to be active, while Bedford Academy was celebrated for an inclusive PE offer, extensive enrichment and successful sixth form sports academies. Young Volunteer of the Year Bodie Christison was praised for dedicating school holidays and evenings to supporting a wide range of activities with Edusports, from paddlesport to climbing and archery.
The awards also highlighted inspiring personal stories of resilience and inclusion. Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year Tammy Harrison was recognised for promoting wheelchair racing and disability sport nationally, including her involvement in the Paralympics Equal Play campaign, while Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year Christopher Bradley was celebrated for winning two individual gold medals at the inaugural Virtus Para Dressage World Championships. Adult Personality of the Year Margaret Cotter was honoured for her success at regional, national and world transplant games, and for using her swimming achievements to raise awareness of organ donation.
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, “The 30th Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards have showcased just how much talent, passion and dedication there is in every corner of our Borough. From grassroots volunteers and inclusive community programmes to schools, clubs and elite performers competing on national and international stages, every nominee and winner is helping to inspire others to get active and to be part of Bedford Borough’s vibrant sporting community. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their continued support, and to everyone who gives their time and energy to make sport and physical activity accessible, enjoyable and life-changing for residents of all ages.”
One nominee said, “Thank you so much for organising the Bedford Sports Awards! I felt so honoured to be nominated, and it was lovely that so many people from so many different communities and sports were represented.
“The event had a really professional feel to it, and the certificates for everyone were a lovely touch. It is amazing that the event has been going on for 30 years – I hope it continues for another 30 years! Congratulations on a first-rate and inspiring event.”
The Council extends its thanks to all sponsors whose support ensures the awards night is funded through external sponsorship and ongoing support from Public Health Bedford. A full list of 2025 Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards winners and sponsors is available on the Bedford Borough Council website at www.bedford.gov.uk/SportsAwards
