Sport and activity in Lancashire to be celebrated at relaunched awards

Active Lancashire has relaunched its annual awards, which celebrate achievements in sport and physical activity across the county, with the support of the event’s headline sponsor Interfloor.

The Active Lancashire Awards, formerly known as the Lancashire Sports Awards, will acknowledge individuals, clubs and organisations across Lancashire who make a positive impact within their own lives as well as within their communities, to improve health, bring people together and reduce isolation.

The new name, along with a new logo for the awards, was first unveiled at a session within the Love Boxing ABC gym in Waterfoot. The gym is used by Active Lancashire to boost the confidence and social skills of local young people on their journey into employment through the Rossendale Works programme, which is delivered by Active Lancashire in partnership with Rossendale Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. Several of these young participants have been employed by Interfloor, Europe’s leading manufacturer of underlay.

John Cooper, CEO at Interfloor, said, “As a large Lancashire employer that cares about improving life opportunities locally, we are pleased to be the headline sponsor of an awards event that celebrates healthier lifestyles and connected communities. The county has served us well and through working with Active Lancashire we hope to give something back to people across the region, including the people who work for us and their families.”

The awards, which will take place on 18th November at Ewood Park in Blackburn, have changed their name to be more inclusive.

Sarah Walton, director of Business at Active Lancashire, said, “After 20 years of running the awards, we wanted to refresh the name so that the event is just as much about celebrating activity as a way to boost health and wellbeing as it is about sporting achievements, opening up the range of people and communities who can apply for categories.

“We know that Interfloor share similar values and want to invest in their local communities, so are really pleased they will be joining us as our headline sponsor.”

The event is run in collaboration with local council groups and partners across Lancashire, who submit the winners from their own borough awards to be added to the shortlist. These include the Blackburn Sports Council Awards, Burnley Active Community Awards, Flyde Active Community Awards, Blackpool Sports Awards, South Ribble Sports Awards, Hyndburn Sports Awards and Preston Sports Awards.

However, individuals and groups from the following areas can apply directly via the Active Lancashire Awards website now to be judged by a panel of event sponsors; Chorley, Lancaster, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Wyre and West Lancashire.

Active Lancashire are currently looking for additional businesses to sponsor event categories, which will provide them with promotional opportunities in the run-up to the event and the night itself.

Visit activelancashireawards.co.uk to view categories and find out more.