Four awards for Durham County Council, a record number of entries and recognition for people removing barriers to exercise made this year's ceremony about considerably more than trophies.
Durham County Council emerged as the standout winner at the ukactive Awards 2026, collecting four honours during a ceremony that brought more than 850 physical activity and leisure industry leaders to Birmingham.
There were 190 entries, a record for the awards, with the winners announced at the International Convention Centre (ICC). For an industry accustomed to celebrating impressive facilities and the latest fitness technology, this year’s results also put considerable attention on something rather less glamorous but arguably more important: making physical activity accessible to more people.
From council-run leisure services to individuals helping communities overcome barriers to exercise, the winners reflected the different ways organisations are trying to get Britain moving.
Durham County Council claims four major honours
Durham County Council’s evening was particularly productive. It won Outstanding Organisation of the Year, the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, the Transformational Innovation Award and the Marketing Campaign Award.
That combination is noteworthy. The recognition extended beyond the operation of leisure facilities into how services communicate, develop and accommodate the different needs of their communities.
The council was recognised for an approach that places innovation and inclusion within its wider organisational culture, with leisure centres positioned as places supporting healthier lives and stronger community connections.
There is, of course, a distinction between winning an award and demonstrating measurable improvements in public health. The awards recognise achievement rather than providing a complete assessment of community outcomes. Nevertheless, Durham’s success illustrates the value the industry is placing on inclusive public leisure provision.
Leisure centres across Britain share the spotlight
Durham was not the only public-sector success story.
Everyone Active’s Moulton Leisure Centre completed an impressive double, winning both Outstanding Public Club/Centre of the Year and the Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year award for the Midlands and East Anglia.
GLL enjoyed a particularly strong showing across the regional categories, with three facilities recognised: Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa for Northern Ireland and Wales, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre for London, and Rivermead Leisure Centre for the South of England.
Elsewhere, West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite Linlithgow won the Scottish regional award, while Parkwood Leisure’s Crosby Leisure Centre took the North of England title.
Private and independent operators received recognition too. Snap Fitness Pontyclun was named National Private Club/Centre of the Year, while Branston Golf & Country Club secured National Independent Club/Centre of the Year.
The geographical spread is significant. The awards placed local leisure facilities alongside national operators, recognising services delivered in very different communities rather than concentrating attention on one particular model of fitness provision.
The people making physical activity more accessible
Among the individual honours, Adam Roberts, Healthy Communities Manager at 1Life Management Solutions Limited, received the Physical Activity Hero Award.
Roberts was recognised for his commitment to creating opportunities for people who might otherwise encounter barriers to being active.
It is an important distinction in an industry where participation is not simply a question of having a gym nearby. The ability to take part can also depend on whether activities and services genuinely accommodate different circumstances and needs.
That theme continued with the Healthy Communities Award, sponsored by MyFitnessPal, which went to Everyone Active’s Dacorum Community Programme.
CitySport at City St George’s, University of London won the inaugural Workplace Culture & Initiative Award, recognising its emphasis on staff wellbeing and physical activity within the workplace.
Meanwhile, Oliver Deen, Operations Director at Jubilee Hall Trust, received the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award, and Parkwood Leisure’s My Healthy Way Leadership Team took the Outstanding Leadership Team Award.
A special honour for two Everyone Active figures
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came with the Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award, presented jointly to two influential figures associated with Everyone Active.
Former Managing Director David Bibby was recognised for his leadership and contribution to the leisure industry.
The award was also presented to Stephen Hulme, Founder and Former Chief Executive of the Charitable Trust at Everyone Active, in recognition of a career devoted to promoting physical activity and its potential to improve lives.
Hulme passed away in 2026, and the award was dedicated to his memory.
Beyond the competition between organisations, the joint recognition acknowledged the contribution of people whose work helped shape the sector over many years.
Innovation, suppliers and the complete winners list
The industry’s technical and educational organisations were also recognised.
Keepme Antares won Supplier of the Year, Tees Active received the Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year award, and Achieve More Training was named Education Programme of the Year.
Judging was facilitated by independent partner Proinsight, with assessors drawn from within and outside the physical activity sector. The Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) returned as headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, while fitness coach Laura Hoggins and former professional rugby player Ben Gotting hosted the ceremony.
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The range of winners offers a useful reminder of how broad the physical activity sector has become. Its work extends from operating facilities and developing technology to creating opportunities for people who may otherwise remain excluded from regular exercise.
For all the attention paid to equipment, buildings and industry innovation, the most meaningful achievement remains getting more people through the door — and giving them a good reason to return.
