Published Thursday, 2nd March 2023
Last night (1 March 2023), our latest sporting superstars were announced and celebrated at the annual Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards at the Harlequin Theatre & Cinema in Redhill.
Last night (1 March 2023), our latest sporting superstars were announced and celebrated at the annual Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards at the Harlequin Theatre & Cinema in Redhill.
Inspirational nominees and winners
Borough residents nominated a total of 77 inspirational individuals, teams, volunteers, clubs and coaches, highlighting their incredible achievements and dedication. This year’s awards, run by the Council in conjunction with the Reigate & Banstead Sports Council, recognise performance between January 2022 and January 2023. The winners will retain their title for the whole of 2023.
After very careful deliberation by an independent judging panel, nominees were shortlisted and invited to the spectacular awards ceremony. The panel also chose the winners, who were announced and presented with their awards on the night.
This year’s very worthy winners in the eleven categories are:
- Volunteer of the Year - Lucy Hill – Reigate Rugby Football Club
- Young Volunteer of the Year - Dan Kite – Merstham Cricket Club
- Changing Lives Award - Lorenc Perlesha – Red and Black Roots Albanian Association
- Sports Person of the Year - Jamie Burch – Reigate Priory Croquet Club
- Young Sports Person of the Year - Oliver Williams – Max Force
- Coach of the Year - Sarah Collett – Merstham Football Club and Wildcats
- Club of the Year - Reigate Rugby Football Club
- Team of the Year - Reigate Priory under 13 Girls Cricket Club
- Junior Team of the Year - Old Reigatian Rugby Football Club Girls under 15's
- Senior Citizen Award - Mike Parsons – Reigate Squash Club
- Inclusive Sport Award - Marc Lynes – Livingwell Taekwondo Academy.
Cllr Kanika Sachdeva, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “A huge well done and congratulations to all our fantastic winners! A big thank you to everyone who sent in nominations and to our sponsors too. Each year, these prestigious awards celebrate the people, teams, clubs or coaches who made an important impact in their own sport - or empowered others to participate and succeed.
“If you’d like to be more active, or want to try something new, there is a huge range of things to do or get involved in across the borough. Being active and enjoying sport can help everyone, of any age or ability, to keep mentally and physically fit. It can also help us to connect with others in the community, as well as enjoy our own personal progress or achievements.”
Wide range of activity, wellbeing and sports opportunities available
- For more information about the many health and wellbeing activities for children and young people visit our R&Be active website section.
- You can find a sport that suits you by checking out the amazing range of local clubs.
- Everyone is welcome at the free family Sports Festival on Sunday 30 April - meet people from local clubs, enjoy watching sports in action and a chance to have a go at activities too!