Active Community Awards Presentations 2023

Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club, Sailability Kinsale, Ballyphehane Community Walking Campaign and Maire & Cornelius Marshall from the Rebel Wheelers were among the big winners at this year’s Active Community Awards.

 

The winners were presented with their awards by the Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr. Kieran McCarthy and Deputy Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. John Healy at a presentation ceremony hosted by Cork Sports Partnership in Old Cork Waterworks Experience on Wednesday 13^th December.

 

Active Community Group – Sliabh Luachra Cycling 

Active Community Inclusion – Sailability Kinsale 

Active Community Campaign – Ballyphehane Community Walking 

Active Community Champion – Maire & Cornelius Marshall (Rebel Wheelers) 

 

The awards were established by Cork Sports Partnership to honour, recognise and celebrate individuals and groups in local Cork communities that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities, while equally promoting positive health and wellbeing for all.  

 

The winners were revealed at a virtual awards ceremony in November, where 12 finalists were featured across the 4 categories.

  

Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr, Kieran McCarthy opened proceedings and acknowledged the great work each winner is doing in their local communities, “The four award winners represent an amazing variety of physical activity opportunities for the people of Cork. As Cork City continues to grow, we must ensure that we provide the right opportunities to those that find safe harbour here, and the work that each of you do ensures we can instil that sense of community to all that call Cork home”. 

 

Deputy Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. John Healy further acknowledged the amazing impact all finalists had in their communities, “Everyone here getting an award can be immensely proud of their contribution to their communities. Sport and physical activity provide an opportunity where people can find a sense of place and purpose. The benefits of physical activity are well documented and by providing these opportunities to such a diverse collection of people you should all be commended”. 

 

Each category winner received a bespoke Active Community Award medal, framed certificate, Carbery Group hamper, as well as their finalist video to further promote their work in the community.

 

In closing, Tim Burke, Community Sports Development Officer with Cork Sports Partnership, said “Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this year’s awards a big success. The awards send a powerful message to communities all around Cork and encourage people to get healthy and active. Volunteering is the lifeblood of communities; our finalists work tirelessly to inspire groups and individuals and break down barriers to sport and physical activity. We are delighted to recognise and celebrate your contribution to your communities”.