Nominations for the Alliance’s annual Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award are open ahead of the organisation’s 90th anniversary celebration event, which has been confirmed for St James’s Palace in November.
The Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award, formerly the Emeritus Award, has been presented for 22 years to inspirational volunteers in the sector who have dedicated their lives to helping get the nation active.
Nominating someone for this prestigious award couldn’t be simpler – just fill in the nomination form below by 23:59 on Tuesday 30 September.
In 2024, 89-year old yoga teacher Monica Burton BEM took home the Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award, in recognition of her incredible achievements and impact across a number of communities across more than five decades.
Her journey with yoga began in the early 1970s when she was inspired by the ‘Yoga for Health’ TV programme. As a full-time Nurse specializing in Geriatric care, she became intrigued by how yoga could benefit older adults with complex health needs.
Since then, she has hosted countless free yoga events across London, created numerous yoga programmes, and has pushed for greater recognition for yoga as a form of physical activity through her work as Chair of the British Wheel of Yoga. Now, aged 89, she continues her practice, teaching a weekly yoga class in London for a group of adults.
On receiving the award at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Monica said:
“I really want to say that this isn’t just for me, this is for the Committee that worked with me during my time. Some of them are here with me today, and helped me when I became Chair [of the British Wheel of Yoga].
“Thank you all, thank you.”
If you have any questions about the award, or the nominations process, please contact us at awards@sportandrecreation.org.uk
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