Published Thursday, 25th February 2021

Overcoming many challenges during the pandemic, local people, teams, clubs and coaches still managed to excel and motivate others to enjoy different sporting activities.

The annual Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Sports Awards 2021 celebrate their success.

We received 70 amazing entries from across the borough - and this year’s categories were redesigned to especially recognise those nominees helping residents of all ages stay active and keep mentally well throughout the pandemic.

There was such a strong and inspiring set of nominations that we also created two new awards for 2021 – Community Club Champion and Young Community Club Champion.

Worthy winners of each award are:

  • Community Champion of the Year                 - Anna Smith & Emma Mankelow
  • Community Club Champion                           - Brian Wilson
  • Young Community Champion of the Year     - Daisy Riggs
  • Young Community Club Champion                - Emily & Holly Cruickshank
  • Tackling Inequality Award                              - Matthew Boardman
  • Young Sports Person of the Year                  - Rory Campbell
  • Coach of the Year                                           - Neal Sullivan
  • Club of the Year                                              - Reigate Priory Hockey Club
  • Junior Team of the Year                                 - East Surrey Girls FC

You can watch a video of the virtual awards evening - held on 25 February – detailing why they won and their personal acceptances on our YouTube channel.

Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “So many individuals, teams and clubs across our borough are committed to sport and how it can help residents during this pandemic and beyond. These annual awards are a great opportunity to thank them and highlight their inspirational achievements for the whole community.

“We received a remarkable 70 entries, recognising the valuable contribution sport makes to the lives of those who participate, coach or volunteer. This year’s awards are even more special because they acknowledge the vital role that sport can play in keeping people mentally fit, as well enjoy staying physically active. I would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry, all the nominees and congratulate the winners again on their well-deserved success.”

Emma Mankelow, Reigate Ladies Joggers, and a joint winner of Community Champion of the Year said: “We appreciated that back in March [2020] it was going to be very difficult for everybody and we’re absolutely amazed that we’ve been able to keep the community vibrant, strong and encouraging during that time and thrilled that we’ve been able to help people during such a difficult period.”

Brian Wilson, Horley Bowling Club, and first winner of the new Community Club Champion of the Year award said: “To have been nominated for this award by our club committee is very, very flattering, to have been chosen as the Community Club Champion of the Year was an incredible surprise. Thank you all so much!”

Read more about the awards and our winners.