Active Essex was proud to return with its annual awards ceremony on Thursday 4th December at Hatfield Place, an uplifting celebration of the incredible achievements happening across our county.

This special event shone a spotlight on those whose passion has driven a more active, healthy, and vibrant Essex, bringing their stories and impact to life.

The evening welcomed recognised athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools, councillors, sponsors, businesses, and professional partners, all coming together to show their support and offer congratulations.

Physical activity continues to play a vital role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity for organisations and partners to engage, collaborate, and contribute to strengthening this important focus.

You can read more about our 2025 award categories and winners below.

Read more about how the evening unfolded here.

Introducing Our 2025 Categories and Winners

Sports Personality of the Year

An individual who has made a significant achievement in the last year in their chosen sport or discipline. This can be at a national or international level and either individually or as part of a team. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability. Must be aged 18 or over on 1st September 2025.

WINNER:
Michelle Agyemang

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Ellie Challis
Henry Patten

Young Sports Personality of the Year

An individual who has made a significant achievement in the last year in their chosen sport or discipline. This can be at a national or international level and either individually or as part of a team. Open to all athletes – non-disabled and those with a disability. Must be aged under 18 on 1st September 2025.

WINNER:
Max Dowman

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Christina English
Millie Franklin

Unsung Hero

A volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to local sport or physical activity. This could be a dedicated individual who you feel deserves recognition for their commitment to supporting and developing opportunities for residents in Essex to get active. Must be aged 18+ on 1st September 2025.

WINNER:
Lee Clark

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Graham Hawes
Karyn Duggan

Strengthening Communities Award

An organisation, project or group who use physical activity and sport as engagement tool, making a positive impact on their community. They support their community to promote stronger connections, and ensures their offer is inclusive. They may work with specific groups such as disability, ethnic diverse communities, women and girls or other underrepresented group, ensuring the opportunity is accessible for all.

WINNER:
ATF Southend

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Get Golfing
Martine Yates

Sports Club of the Year

A sports club who has been able to provide organised sport and physical activity opportunities, keeping their members engaged and have encouraged individuals to try something new. This club has achieved great things this year or made some stand out changes to make their opportunities accessible for all.

WINNER:
Westcliff Lionesses

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Dennis and Dyer Boxing Academy
Team Kinetix

Active Education Provider

A school, early years or further education setting that gives its pupils a wide range of opportunities to participate in high quality physical education and extra-curricular sport. They will help young people understand and embrace daily exercise as beneficial to their health and wellbeing at school and beyond the academic years.

WINNER:
Treetops Free School

SHORTLISTED NOMINEES ARE:
Chase Lane Primary School and Nursery
De La Salle School Basildon
St Thomas More High School

Find Your Active Wellbeing Award

An instructor, organisation or group who have helped you move for your mind and supported the wellbeing of residents in Essex using physical activity. This has in turn positively impacted participants mental and emotional health.

WINNER:
Sarah Clyne

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Chris Phillips
Keiley Noel

Active Employer of the Year

A workplace, team or organisation who have encouraged staff to get active. The team may be generating innovative ideas and opportunities to change sedentary behaviour or promote better physical and mental wellbeing.

WINNER:
Baker Labels

SHORTLISTED NOMINEES ARE:
Lamb & Co Property
Peri Ltd

Move With Us Champion

A young person under the age of 18, who is a volunteer, young leader or champion of physical activity with their friends, in the community or at a local club. They may motivate, inspire and promote physical activity to others, or volunteer in their local community for their own and others mental and physical health.

WINNER:
Ralphie Harvey

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Shay Mullery
Tamzin Mitchell

Inspiring Young Lives

A physical activity provider for young people who have provided exceptional opportunities for young people throughout the year and continue to go above and beyond. Not only do they support the young people but their families across their community, using physical activity.

WINNER:
Rosedan

HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Jack of All Sports
Project: ME

Download our Essex Activity Awards FAQs 2025 here.

Download the Essex Activity Awards Terms and Conditions 2025 here.

Active Essex

Our 2025 Sponsors

Essex Activity Awards 2024

The Essex Activity Awards last year received over 600 nominations for the 10 categories, followed by more than 2,100 votes for our public voting categories.

The awards ceremony, to crown our winners, then took place at Hatfield Place on Thursday 7th December. Hosted by Charlie Frost, ITV News Presenter and Danny Crates, Paralympic Gold Medallist, the Essex Activity Awards recognised and celebrated achievements throughout our county, with support from Headline Sponsor, Matchroom.

Take a look at our highlight video below!