Celebrate our local heroes – nominate now for the 2025 Move More Awards
Hosted by Abbeycroft at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre – in its special 50th anniversary year and Abbeycroft’s 20th anniversary – the awards will highlight the positive impact that moving more has on our health, wellbeing and community spirit.
Abbeycroft is proud to operate twelve leisure centres and deliver numerous community health and wellbeing initiatives on behalf of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council.
Councils are true champions of sport, leisure and wellbeing – investing in facilities, programmes and partnerships that keep their communities healthy, active and connected. As trusted partners, we work alongside them to provide opportunities for everyone to move more, live well and thrive.
From shifts in local authority responsibilities to evolving health and community needs, sport, physical activity, and movement have never been more vital. The sector has moved from a focus on sport to leisure to active wellbeing, and Abbeycroft, with the support of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council, has been at the forefront of each stage.
Award categories include:
- Individual Performance
- Club of the Year
- Unsung Hero
- Active Community
- School of the Year
- Innovator in Health & Physical Activity
- Movement Partner of the Year
- Partnership in Action
- Triumph Over Adversity
Sponsors for the Move More Awards include Alliance Leisure, Active Suffolk, Gallaghers Insurance, Pulse Fitness and Saunders Boston Architects, although sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, Cllr Laura Smith, said:
“We understand the importance of providing local facilities to ensure people can stay healthy and active, but a lot of the time, it’s the dedication and passion of those working within our communities that makes the real difference. This is our opportunity to recognise the champions who change lives by encouraging physical and mental wellbeing through movement.”
Abbeycroft Chief Executive, Warren Smyth, said:
“We’re proud to offer opportunities for everyone to lead healthier, more active lives, and the Moving More Awards reflect that commitment by recognising those at the heart of change. This year is a double celebration for us, and it’s the perfect moment to highlight the impact of our local champions – the individuals, groups and partners who help our communities move more and be stronger together.”
Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said:
“We are fortunate to have a diverse range of physical activity opportunities available for residents to participate in thanks to passionate and dedicated individuals, communities, and organisations. The Move More Awards is a fantastic way to celebrate those who have a positive influence on our residents’ health and wellbeing and contribute to our thriving communities.”
Nominations are now open. This is your chance to recognise someone who inspires activity, inclusion and wellbeing in West Suffolk or Babergh.
You can explore categories and submit your nominations on the Abbeycroft website. Nominations close 14 September.
