The Community Leisure UK Awards took place on May 24th in Manchester and proved a resounding success, with DFC as a key sponsor to the event and charitable leisure trusts from across the UK present to celebrate their achievements.
Community Leisure UK is the official body for charitable leisure trusts across England, Scotland and Wales. Previously run under the Sporta banner, the awards take place annually to recognise the extraordinary impact made by public leisure and cultural services.
Awards celebrated a huge range of achievements, from innovation through to capital investment and volunteering, with Sky Sports presenter Hayley McQueen hosting throughout the evening.
DFC Director, Ivan Stevenson, gave a speech during the opening drinks reception, in which he expressed his delight at working with so many brilliant organisations who were deservedly shortlisted for the awards.
Speaking after the event, Ivan said:
“This has been a fantastic evening to celebrate and acknowledge the work of trusts in supporting community outcomes, delivering innovations and changing people’s lives with their local communities. We, at DFC, are proud to work so closely with many of the charities here tonight and we’ve been glad to share the evening with them.”
The final winners on the night were:
Community Impact through Physical Activity: GLL
Community Impact through Arts, Culture and Libraries: Vivacity Library
Workforce Development Award: Life Leisure
Innovation Award: High Life Highland
Capital Investment Award: Sport Aberdeen
Outstanding Volunteer: Jackie Brown, Christine Burton and Betty Toole from Tadcaster Swimming Pool Trust / Aimee Work from Sport Aberdeen
Outstanding Employee Achievement: Delia Evans from Active Northumberland
Strategic Partnership Award: Stevenage Leisure