The borough’s sporting talent was celebrated at the annual Ealing Sports Awards this week, but who were this year’s winners?

Now in its 9th year, the awards showcase the achievements and dedication of sports people of all ages. From talented athletes and coaches to volunteers and organisations who give their time to support local clubs and activities, the awards celebrate the people who help residents stay active and make the borough’s sporting community thrive.

Special guests at this year’s ceremony included Donna Fraser OBE and Myrtle Augee MBE, both former Team GB Olympians. They joined the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Faduma Mohamed, to present awards across 9 categories at the event, which took place at Ada Lovelace C of E High School in Ealing.

The event was organised by Ealing Council, with support from Everyone Active, which manages the borough’s sport and leisure centres on behalf of the council.

Changing lives through sport

The evening’s highest honour, the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award, was presented to Mesba Ahmed MBE, founder of London Tigers, in recognition of almost 4 decades of commitment to using sport to change lives.

Mesba founded Marylebone FC in 1986, which evolved into London Tigers, an inclusive multi-sport organisation offering football and cricket opportunities for boys and girls across Southall and Ealing. Over the years, Mesba has built partnerships, supported thousands of young people and helped create pathways into sport regardless of background or gender.

Today, London Tigers runs 18 junior and adult teams and is accredited by both the Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board. In his nomination, Mesba was praised for his leadership, dedication and belief that opportunity, belonging and confidence should be available to every young person.

This year’s winners also included:

• Coach of the Year: Dave Johnson – Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC
• Inclusive and Active Award: a joint win for Olivia Armour – West London Legends/Northfields United FC, and Brentham Bowls Club
• Adult Sports Person of the Year: Megan Jones MBE – Rugby Union
• Adult Volunteer of the Year: Dale Micklewright – Ealing Hockey Club
• Junior Volunteer of the Year: Izzy Oldroyd – Hockey and London Youth Games 33
• Junior Sports Person of the Year: Mihailo Vuckovic – Swimming
• Sports Club of the Year: Ealing Swimming Club
• Junior Club of the Year: a joint win for London Fruit Bats – Flag American Football, and West London Gymnastics

‘Inspiring sporting community’

Councillor Lauren Wall, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “This year’s awards highlighted the breadth of sporting talent across the borough, from elite athletes competing at national level to grassroots volunteers who give their time to support clubs and activities every week.

“Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees whose commitment continues to inspire people of all ages to get involved in sport and physical activity across the borough.”