26 Apr 2024

Rhinos volunteers celebrated at Leeds Sports Awards

Leeds Rhinos Foundation volunteer, Steve Boothroyd and Leeds Rhinos Netball team manager were both recognised for their outstanding contribution to sport in the city, with the pair winning the award for Outstanding Volunteer at the annual Leeds Sports Awards.

Alford Gardner, one of only two surviving passengers on the Empire Windrush, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Leeds City Council at the ceremony held at Elland Road,

Alford 98, was the founder of the Caribbean Cricket Club in Leeds, the first such club in the country, and a club thriving today with a very diverse membership and extensive community programme.

Eddie Gray MBE was presented with the prestigious Sporting Pride of Leeds Award for his 60 years of service to Leeds United.

Amongst the current sporting heroes from across the city, Beth Potter was awarded the Sportsperson Award, with Hannah Cockroft OBE DL awarded the Disability Sportsperson Award. Both will be representing the city in this Summer’s Olympics and Paralympics

The Leeds Sports Awards organised by Sport Leeds and Leeds City Council, celebrate the 2023 sporting achievements of athletes, of all ages and levels, coaches, administrators and volunteers. Amongst the community winners were The Hunslet Club, Stacey Hubbard for her work at SCOT FC, and the Inspirational Community Champion Rob Wilson. There were three winners in the Outstanding Sports Volunteer Award with Geraldine Plant, Nadine Booker and Steve Boothroyd all awarded for their significant sporting contributions.

Rob Wadsworth Chair of Sport Leeds commented: "It was fantastic to award and recognise the amazing successes and contributions that are made by the clubs, teams and people of Leeds. It was a very special evening that really highlighted the diversity and breadth of the sporting offer in Leeds, from the impact that is being made on the global stage from Olympians and Paralympians to our community champions who are actively improving peoples lives on a daily basis. We were also delighted to celebrate Leeds United legend Eddie Gray and Alford Gardner, who have done so much for the city in their illustrious careers."

Leeds City Councillor, Salma Arif, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Active Lifestyles commented: "Wow what a brilliant evening of showcasing the City's sporting talent, from our amazing athletes to those in the background giving tireless amounts of time to ensuring members of the community are physically active! Alford Gardner receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the setup of the first Caribbean Cricket Club in Leeds, such a humbling story and a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to all finalists, you really do continue to make Leeds the best city in the UK.”

The full list of Winners are: