On Friday 18^th November 2022, over 200 guests came to celebrate a night of Suffolk's Sporting achievements at Trinity park, Ipswich.

As the first 'in person' awards, Active Suffolk have hosted since the pandemic, the event preparation for the Active Suffolk Awards have been much awaited and underway for several months. The Active Suffolk team have been working hard to collate nominations and present these through a selective panel process; alongside organising a prestigious event to recognise and celebrate some of the county's top sports heroes, physical activity advocates, community groups and schools.

In the lead up to the event, the nominees from the 12 award categories were shortlisted and voted for by a diverse panel of judges from the sport and leisure, health and education sector in Suffolk. The top three from each category were formally invited to the award ceremony where the winner was announced and presented their award.

In addition to the award ceremony, this year's guests also enjoyed inspirational interviews with all the shortlisted Sports Personalities of the Year nominees; Zoe Newson, Anna Street, Jordan Catchpole and Hannah Martin.

A massive congratulations to all nominees and especially to this year's winners, which are as follows:

­Winner for Sports Personality of the Year

Zoe Newson

­Winner for Young Sports Personality of the Year

Grace Spooner

­Winner for Active Unsung Hero

Imogen Hayward

­Winner for Active Community of the Year

The Coddenham Centre

­Winner for Activity Champion of the Year

Jordanna Campbell

­Winner for Active Club of the Year

Hadleigh Stars Gymnastics Club

­Winner for Active Primary School of the Year

Red Oak Primary School

­Winner for Active Secondary School of the Year

Hartismere High

­Winner for Team of the Year

Suffolk Women's Cricket Team

­Winner for Innovative Project of the Year

Refugees Football Project

­Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award

Andy Read

­Winner of Active Change Award

Abbie Shores

Gareth Davies, Director of Active Suffolk said:

"As Director of Active Suffolk, it is both a privilege and an honour to have shared a room with so many inspiring people.

I believe there is no higher praise than to be nominated for an award. Not only does it reflect the dedication that individuals consistently demonstrate, but also indicates that what you do touches other people and makes them take notice. This is a significant power.

It had been 1099 days since we last held a full awards event in person. In that time there has been significant challenges for us all to overcome, and a great deal has changed.

What has not changed however, is Active Suffolk's vision of "Improved health and wellbeing across Suffolk by inspiring everyone to be more active". Now, more than ever, our commitment to this vision is essential as we strive to return Suffolk to pre-pandemic physical activity levels.

I am grateful that Active Suffolk does not stand alone in achieving this vision, and that we are supported by all of you through the simple act of inspiring others. You do this through your dedication to playing and competing or coaching and supporting others.

Congratulations again to all of this year's winner, and to those who were shortlisted and nominated. Keep up the great work, we are already excited to see the calibre of talent that comes through next year."

The Active Suffolk Awards were supported and sponsored by the following: BBC Radio Suffolk, Places Leisure, Babergh & Mid Suffolk Council, East Suffolk Council, Everyone Active, Suffolk New College, Ipswich Borough Council, Larking Gowen, Katala, University of Suffolk, Abbeycroft and Active Suffolk.

All photos from the night with credit to Keith Mindham can be viewed at Active Suffolk – The Active Suffolk Awards 2022