Exhibition of Excellence on Full Display at Manchester Sports Awards 2024
On Saturday 16 November, the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel once again played host to an inspiring evening reflecting and celebrating another iconic sporting year at the #McrSportsAwards 2024.
Katharine Merry and Iwan Thomas returned to present an evening brimming with star guests and starry smiles all around the room!
We celebrated the wonderful work our clubs, coaches, volunteers, athletes, schools and community groups have done. The evening provided us with the opportunity to recognise the investment, commitment and effort made by so many to maintain and develop sport and physical activity across our city.
The videos and photos taken on the night are merely a glimpse of the incredible hard work and dedication that goes on all year round.
We raise a glass to the achievements of athletes, volunteers, community groups, clubs and partner organisations, and say a huge thank you for their contribution to community sport and physical activity here in Manchester.
Congratulations to all the finalists and the nominees. And a special thank you to all the sponsors, judges and team behind the scenes who work tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable night for all.
Full Event Highlights Available Here
SEE THE LIST OF WINNERS BELOW, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINKS TO WATCH THE FINALIST VIDEOS:
JUNIOR SPORTS ACHIEVER
Winner – Annabel Amadin
Annabel is an exceptional young athlete who ranks 2nd in the UK for Shot Put in her U20 age group and 11th nationally in Discus. In 2024, she retained her title as the ESAA English Schools Shot Put Champion, became the Northern Indoor & Outdoor Shot Put Champion, and set a new championship record as the GMAA U20 Shot Put Champion. Annabel also earned silver medals at the England U20 Indoor and Outdoor Championships and represented England internationally, winning gold in Sweden. As a Manchester’s Rising Stars Award recipient, she serves as an ambassador for the We Love MCR Charity, using her platform to inspire other young athletes. Annabel’s commitment, maturity and achievements make her a remarkable role model.
Finalist – DJ Alderson
Finalist – Maks Kurzak
Finalist – ️Irene Oboavwoduo
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Winner – Ibrahim Karim & Aman Butt
Ibrahim, 17, and Amaan, 18, have been dedicated members of Abraham Moss Warriors since the age of 5, first as players and now as inspiring young volunteers. Over the years, they have committed an incredible 18.5 hours weekly to running youth clubs, managing the U10s football team, supporting the holiday hunger program and engaging in violence reduction initiatives. As newly qualified football coaches, they are now team managers for the club’s U10s in the Bolton League. Both are positive role models who mentor younger members, encouraging them to volunteer and helping steer them away from crime and antisocial behaviour. Their commitment is essential to the smooth running of the club’s programs and they continue to inspire their peers to give back to the community.
Finalist – Hope Ryan
Finalist – Adeisha Awudu
SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
Winner – Abraham Moss Community School
Abraham Moss Community School has a transformative partnership with Access Sport, which has empowered over 200 students through life-changing leadership training and active engagement in community sports. This innovative approach has enabled students, particularly those previously disengaged from traditional sports, to connect with local clubs and explore a variety of activities that cater to their interests. Students have taken the lead in organising sports games for younger pupils, creating mentorship and collaboration within the school community.
The school has also successfully engaged girls in Key Stage 4 through initiatives including partnerships with the Collyhurst and Moston Boxing Club and British Cycling. Through these efforts, Abraham Moss has enhanced the quality of physical activity and sports engagement, ensuring that students are equipped to pursue their interests in an inclusive and supportive environment. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement and expanding its partnerships is shaping a healthier, more active future for its students.
Finalist – Button Lane Primary School
Finalist – Manchester Communication Academy
OUR MANCHESTER AWARD
Winner – Table Tennis England
Table Tennis England’s Ping Hub at the Great Northern Warehouse was developed ahead of the 2024 World Table Tennis feeder event at the National Cycling Centre, creating a superb space incorporating 7 tables, providing coaching opportunities, tournaments and competitions. The hub is hugely popular and now the second busiest space in the country.
COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Winner – Bee Pedal Ready
Bee Pedal Ready, founded and led by GM Bicycle Mayor Belinda Everett, is transforming cycling in Manchester by empowering marginalised communities, particularly women of colour, to embrace cycling and bike maintenance. Through workshops, confidence sessions and mass participation rides, Bee Pedal Ready engages communities across Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and beyond, creating a supportive environment that fosters skills, independence and connections. Belinda’s dedication and leadership have led to partnerships with organisations like Cycling UK, Manchester Active and local groups, amplifying their impact and visibility. The project’s focus on inclusivity, empowerment and skill-building has inspired many to transition from learners to leaders, elevating both their confidence and their community involvement.
Finalist – Stride UK
Finalist – Max Trax
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT
Winner – Jenny Meadows & Trevor Painter
Former athletes & now coaches of the world class M11 Track Club, these two have produced some of the finest athletes & Olympians in the game. And they’re only just getting started.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
Winner – British Cycling National Track Championships 2024
Returning to the National Cycling Centre for the first time since the major refurbishment works, this event kicked off the European Capital of Cycling year in real style. Encouraging Mancunians from up and down the city to #PedalMoreIn2024
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Winner – Wythenshawe Park Nacro Community Cycling Hub
Wythenshawe Park Nacro Community Cycling Hub (WyNCCH) was established in 2023, following the opening of new cycling facilities in Wythenshawe Park, funded by Places to Ride and Manchester City Council. In partnership with British Cycling, Nacro, and a dedicated team of volunteers led by Mike Dolan, the hub has grown rapidly, offering a range of cycling activities, including British Cycling Pedal Parties and Learn to Ride sessions. With strong community engagement, the hub has attracted over 300 participants this year alone, thanks to accessible equipment and a welcoming environment. WyNCCH, run entirely by volunteers, has thrived through the passion and commitment of its volunteers and support from partners like British Cycling and Manchester Active, creating a vibrant cycling culture in Wythenshawe Park.
Finalist – FC United of Manchester
Finalist – Butterfly Future
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Winner – Sally Ratcliffe (Fast Girls Run Club)
Sally founded Fast Girls Run Club in January 2024 to create a unique space for women to ‘find their fast’ through track-based interval training. Noticing that most women’s running groups focused solely on social road runs, Sally launched this initiative to offer a more structured, supportive environment for runners of all abilities. Free to join, the club has attracted many women who had never experienced track running or interval training before. Under Sally’s guidance, 25 members participated in the Great Manchester Run this summer, with her encouragement and advice supporting them, many to personal bests.
Finalist – Godiva Polanska (Manley Park School Bike Train)
Finalist – Wayne Williams (Angels United)
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CYCLING SPECIAL AWARDS
These 3 awards celebrate the projects, groups & events taking place during Manchester’s inaugural year as European Capital of Cycling. Inspiring Mancunians to #PedalMoreIn24
WINNER: City Academy Project
This programme allows young people to experience BMX at the National Cycling Centre under the guidance of coaches. Sessions are free of charge & provide a path into BMX racing or clubs
WINNER: Rides for Women
Bee Pedal Ready and Station South have delivered 2 Rides for Women events in 2024. Both rides embolden women to ride together, love riding, and call for safer roads for cycling for all.
WINNER: Bike Hive
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Bike Hive provide cycling opportunities such as Learn to Ride, cycle confidence, led rides & bike repair. A decade of inspiring people to start cycling!
PEOPLE’S CHAMPION
Winner – Martin Ware
Martin is the heart and soul of Debdale Outdoor Centre, where his leadership and coaching in water sports have left a lasting impact on every individual he works with. With nearly a decade at the Centre and a career stretching back to the early 1990s, Martin’s approach goes beyond coaching—he cares for each person holistically, making them feel valued and respected, whether they are a child or an adult. His ability to connect with everyone, foster trust and inspire smiles is unmatched. Martin’s dedication to the Centre, including the Wheely Boat Project and the Debdale Dragoneers, reflects his deep commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving community. Under his leadership, both staff and club participants flourish, many of whom return as volunteers and even international competitors.
Finalist – ️Pam Corry (Harpurhey Swimming Club)
Finalist – Olly Monk (Angels United)
