It’s one of my favourite weeks of the Active Essex calendar; it is the first week of Christmas which brings a feelgood factor for so many and it is the week that we host our annual Essex Activity Awards – a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and recognise the incredible work and impact of the Essex sport and physical activity sector. Active Essex received hundreds of nominations this year across our ten award categories, demonstrating the depth and diversity of the provision of community sport, fitness, and physical activity across Essex.
I think it is so important to recognise commitment, effort, and dedication, and to reflect on those who have made outstanding contributions in their communities. This is the reason that I ensure that the annual Essex Activity Awards event is a top priority for me and my team.
I am very passionate about using the Asset Based Community Development approach, which was enhanced through the work of the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot. This has now been embedded across the work that we do, focusing on what is strong, not what is wrong in communities. Local groups and assets hold key insights into our places, and it’s vital to recognise the work they do in ensuring everyone can find the activity that’s right for them!
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of neighbourliness and togetherness in local areas, and I feel it is vital that award ceremonies, such as the one that took place on Tuesday, are able to recognise these community assets.
I would like to invite you to take a look at our Essex Activity Awards 2022 winners, and read about the events that took place at the 11th ceremony for Active Essex. Read more here.
As this is my final reflections of the year, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m looking forward to an exciting and action packed 2023.
