The annual celebration (formerly known as the Burnley Community Sports Awards), organized and run by Burnley Leisure and Culture, honors those who show dedication to a range of sporting, health and wellbeing activities at all levels.

Eleven winners were announced in a scintillating ceremony hosted by iconic underdog Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards at the Mechanics Theater in Burnley.

All winners will now go on to the Active Lancashire Awards, pitting their achievements against those chosen from similar recognition awards across the county.

The awards, which were relaunched after the pandemic, will take place at Ewood Park, Blackburn on Friday November 18.

Here are all of Burnley’s winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Chris Keene

The highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to sports and community wellbeing campaigner Chris Keene, who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people living in South West Burnley for over 35 years . This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment for at least 20 years through their contribution to community sport and active lifestyles.

The judges declared: “His dynamism and his passion have allowed the start of many projects as well as their sustainability. Chris has raised hundreds of thousands of books for the Burnley South West region. He is

an exceptional community organizer, does not take no for an answer and always fights for adequate health services in the area.

Club of the Year – Pendle Forest Orienteers

The club have members based around Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Accrington and Blackburn and have focused on raising awareness in the wider community. It organizes “Come and Try” events at several parks and connects with other organizations through the Holiday Food and Activity Program – government funding for children eligible for free school meals.

Volunteer of the Year – John Buchanan

John has been described as Towneley Golf Club’s most valuable asset since joining in 1998, later negotiating the transfer of the now thriving clubhouse operation to new partner BLC three years ago.

After serving as Honorary Treasurer and Secretary, he now oversees the induction of new members and works with BLC staff to ensure the best possible visitor experience.

Young Director of the Year – Liberty Heap

History maker Liberty, a student at Stonyhurst College near Clitheroe, balanced her A-level studies with her dream of becoming a full-time professional cricketer for Northwest Thunder Lancashire.

She recently captained the Stonyhurst cricket team, becoming the first female captain in its long and storied history. Liberty are now pinning their hopes of being chosen in England’s squad for the Under-19 Women’s World Cup in Bangladesh next winter and securing a full-time contract with the Thunder.

Coach/Instructor of the Year – Andy Ellis

Andy is a volunteer at Fulledge Colts FC with his main involvement being the Men’s Under-9 and Under-12 teams and the Women’s Under-14 teams. He is set to become Colt’s development coach, mentoring and assisting other coaches and aims to develop the club’s women’s section into a women’s academy, building on his current success coaching 90 girls in six teams.

Individual Contribution to Active Communities – Ted Pemberton

Ted, 87, is the man behind many successful health walks across Burnley and Padiham. His enthusiasm and support have helped hundreds of people who have participated in their physical, mental and social well-being over the years. He also attends the Burnley Forum with the aim of providing new opportunities for people to move more and tackle social isolation.

Contribution to active communities – Karly’s Angels

Karly’s Angels Running Group was established in 2019 for people who wanted to continue running after completing the Burnley Couch to 5k program.

He motivates runners of all ages and abilities to attend twice a week and encourages them to sign up for 5K and 10K races throughout the region.

Health and Wellness Award – Justine Taylor

Justine combines her own love of physical activity with encouraging others to do the same. For the past eight years, she has run a twice-weekly running club where members have completed numerous 10k runs, three half-marathons and two marathons. She volunteers at the Padiham Junior Park Run and has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities including the Derian House Children’s Hospice, Mission Impossible and the Trussell Trust. During the pandemic, she helped maintain the physical and mental health of her daughter Olivia, who has special needs, by asking BLC to create a simple exercise video to keep her active while her daycare center was

Burnley Together Partnership Award – Library Walks

This award is given to a project that demonstrates true collaboration to achieve its goals and objectives. Library walks were launched at Padiham Library when it began distributing maps and play materials for BLC’s Beat the Street initiative to encourage more people to explore their locality. The catalyst was library manager Alison James, who worked with BLC, Lancashire County Council and Newground Together to create three walks from the library.

Primary School of the Year – Padiham Primary School

This award is given to the elementary school that has gone above and beyond to support the physical and mental well-being of its students.

The judges commented: “The school helps children engage and develop lifelong enjoyment through student choice.

“Physical activity is used to support character and personal development through physical education classes, and this is reiterated at cross-curricular activities, after-school clubs, external events, and break/lunch breaks.”

High School of the Year – Coal Clough Academy

Coal Clough Academy prides itself on providing students with experiences they wouldn’t normally enjoy, such as a garden club, caving, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing and horse racing. orientation.