The ukactive Awards 2024 have opened for entries today (16 April) as ukactive announces that the official awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Thursday 3 October.
The physical activity sector will come together at the International Convention Centre (ICC) to celebrate the very best from across the UK, supported once again by the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) as the ukactive Awards headline sponsor.
The awards are open to fitness and leisure operators of all sizes, industry suppliers, sports organisations, and sector partners – all of which are in with the chance of taking home the top prizes.
This year there are 16 awards to be won and those wishing to enter should do so by Friday 24 May to be in with the chance of winning.
This year’s categories include new additions, with the Outstanding Leadership Award now separated into two individual awards; one for an Outstanding Individual Leader and the other for an Outstanding Leadership Team.
Following the success of last year – the first standalone event for the ukactive Awards since 2018 – the 2024 awards will follow the same format, with the ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday 3 October and our award hosts announcing the incredible winners and inspiring stories throughout the evening.
Active Uprising, ukactive’s flagship conference, will then take place on Thursday 6 March 2025.
Last year’s ceremony was held in Leeds and the included Places Leisure, which took home both the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award and the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award for its Big Sister project; Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre – Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council won the prestigious National Club/Centre of the Year Award; Les Mills UK won the Supplier of the Year Award; and Study Active received the Education Provider of the Year Award.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “We are delighted to open the entries for this year’s ukactive Awards, as well as announcing the STA’s return as our headline sponsors as we head to the fantastic ICC in Birmingham to host our ceremony this October.
“Our members and partners have shown incredible strength and determination in the face of continued economic challenges, delivering some truly exceptional programmes and continuing to serve our communities to support more people to lead active, healthy lives.
“We encourage all of our members to get involved, recognise the great work of your teams and members, and be in with a chance of taking home the sector’s most prestigious prize.”
Ali Beckman, President of STA, the Headline Sponsor for the ukactive Awards 2024, said: “The ukactive awards are the most prestigious within the physical activity sector, and STA is proud to be working in partnership with ukactive as the headline sponsor for a second year.
“The awards celebrate leadership, creativity, innovation, diversity, and excellence – all that is good about our fantastic industry, and as a charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming and lifesaving, we are thrilled to be involved with this year’s event.
“There are so many organisations in this sector that are innovating and making a real impact in their communities, and having experienced first-hand how rewarding and influential the awards are, we would encourage everyone who has made a difference to get more people more active to enter this year – these awards are the perfect way for you to be recognised for all your achievements.”
The ukactive Awards 2024 categories:
- Regional Club/Centre of the Year
- National Club/Centre of the Year
- Supplier of the Year
- New Build or Design of the Year
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Healthy Communities Award
- Organisation Innovation Award
- Marketing Campaign Award
- Digital Transformation Award
- Education Providers of the Year
- Physical Activity Hero Award
- Outstanding Individual Leadership Award
- Outstanding Leadership Team Award
- The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award
- BUCS Award – Physical Activity Excellence Award
- Outstanding Organisation of the Year
To apply for the ukactive Awards 2024 and to read the Entry Guide, click here. Entries must be submitted before Friday 24 May.
Ticket sales for the awards ceremony will open shortly.