The Active Essex Awards 2021 were held on December 1st to celebrate achievements in physical activity and sport across the county.
Writtle University College was proud to sponsor the Active Wellbeing Award, which recognises an individual, organisation or group who has championed the importance of positive movement for the health and wellbeing of Essex residents.
The award ceremony was live streamed on YouTube with commentary from the hosts; GP and This Morning presenter Dr Zoe Williams and Paralympic Gold medallist Danny Crates. This year, Active Essex received over 800 nominations across ten different categories.
Chair of Active Essex, Azeem Akhtar, said: "It's great to see the amount of energy, enthusiasm and commitment our county has shown, over the past year, to create physical activity and sport opportunities for all."
The Active Wellbeing Award was won by 'Backside to Trackside', with two runners up; Roots to Wellbeing and Step 'n' Smile Fitness and Wellbeing.
Backside to Trackside is a nine-week fitness programme created by Basildon Council in partnership with Everyone Active and Active Basildon and led by personal trainer, Andy Stead. Andy helped participants to reach their goal of walking, jogging or running five kilometres around the newly refurbished athletics track at the Basildon Sporting Village.
WUC's Head of Sport, Dr Greg Deacon, said: "We were delighted to once again be a sponsor of a category at the Active Essex Awards 2021 and would like to congratulate the winner, Backside to Trackside, and both runners up. Writtle University College is pleased to be celebrating the amazing individuals and organisations working to support health and wellbeing in Essex."
In 2021, Writtle University College launched its own Centre of Health and Wellbeing to benefit students and athletes.
The new facilities, which feature a sports laboratory, teaching areas and outdoor space for mindfulness activities, have also been used by local NHS and mental health support groups.
Additionally, members of the community are making use of free Friday evening basketball sessions on Writtle University College's recently opened 3x3 courts.
For more information on Writtle University College's courses and facilities, visit writtle.ac.uk/sport