Leicester-Shire & Rutland’s Active Older Generation Celebrated

Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport (LRS) celebrated the county's oldest athletes and most active participants at the 'Feel Alive from 65' Celebration on Thursday 29^th October 2015.

The Celebration event was part of LRS' 'Feel Alive from 65' campaign, which included a week of activity sessions (28^th September-4^th October), which involved over 2,240 older adults (65+) taking part.

Over 25 physically active participants, aged between 65 and 88 from across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland were nominated in a range of award categories.

This prestigious event was sponsored once again by imago and was held at The Link Hotel in Loughborough. Amongst the invited guests were ex Leicester Tigers and England Rugby player Louis Deacon, who has earned 29 caps for England. Compering the awards was Gaynor Nash, who is well known for her passion and enthusiasm for all sport.

All of the nominees were invited to attend and participants were recognised in a number of award categories. The winners are detailed below:

1. Athlete Award (Performance): Vic Barnett, 70 from Market Harborough. A double World Masters Cycling Champion with 7 world titles, who this year completed a unique off road double by winning the World Master Cyclo Cross & the World Masters Mountain Bike Title for rider's aged 70+.

1. Physical Activity Award (Participation): Jill Perry, 81 from North West Leicestershire. Jill started running in April 2014 at the age of 79, having done no physical activity since leaving school in 1949. Jill has now completed 44 ParkRuns with a personal best of 38 mins and 13 secs!

1. Volunteer Award: Michael Petch, 70 from the Market Harborough Sea Cadets. Michael was approached to share his vast naval knowledge, skills and experience to a new unit in Harborough following many years working in the naval service. Michael goes the extra mile demonstrating his commitment & determination to ensure the organisation runs to the best benefit to its members.

1. Exercise Referral / Healthy Heart Scheme / Get Healthy Get Into Sport Award: Margaret Cramp, 67 from Melton. Margaret started on the GP Referral programme having been diagnosed with Parkinson's. After frequent visits she could see how well she was progressing. From this Margaret started to demonstrate how this could benefit others in the same position and started a separate gym session for those with Parkinson's Disease.

1. Active Community Group Award: Dishley Grange Patients Group, 65+ from Loughborough. The Gorse Covert Health Walks take place on a weekly basis throughout the year and numbers of members has grown to 50. All ages are welcome with the majority over 65 with many other 70 years old (oldest 87!).

1. Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl Gunns, 69 from Birstall. Carl Gunns Community Boxing Gym was opened 15 years ago and is fully inclusive and welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity or levels of disability. Coaching between the ages of 5–75! He also has an excellent reputation amongst the local youth groups in the area.

1. Outstanding Achievement Award: Glenys Odams, 83 from Leicester. Glenys is still actively involved in the participation, officiating and volunteering of club life at Knighton Park Table Tennis Club and Knighton Victoria Bowls Club. Glenys is part of the Leicester City Ping team, working tirelessly to take table tennis to everyone around the City.

In addition this year, two extra awards were awarded for those who gave that little extra and deserved to be recognised for their efforts. These awards were:

Physical Activity by Stealth Award: Alan Newton, Patricia Tebbutt & David Tebbutt. These 3 individuals were recognised for their work at Brocks Hill Country Park, keeping them physically active and healthy through the work they undertake.

This Girl Can Award: Anand Mangul (Be Happy) Group from Loughborough. This group started in January 2015 for Asian Ladies in Loughborough but welcomes ladies from all cultures & faiths. This group has gone from strength to strength focussing on healthy lifestyles, activity and supports those who feel isolated within their homes.

The overall 'Oldest Athlete Award' was this year awarded to James William Smith, 82. After undergoing a heart bypass in 2007, 'Bill' has since been a regular attendee at the Heart Smart session at Spence Street Sports Centre in Leicester. Bill is an inspiration to everyone at the class with hard work and commitment. Unfortunately Bill was unable to attend the Celebration due to illness, so the award was collected on his behalf by Victoria Ball, Sports Regeneration Manager at Leicester City Council.

View the photographs from the evening on our Facebook page.

(Photo: Dishley Grange Patients Group with Andy Reed OBE and Louis Deacon)