High Sheriff Awards 2026
The 31st Annual Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards, recognising Nicholas's theme of 'Nurture through Nature', will take place in March 2026.
Applications are now closed but winners will be announced in March.
THE 30TH ANNUAL HERTFORDSHIRE HIGH SHERIFF AWARDS
The 30th Annual Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards took place on Thursday 27th March 2025 in the Weston Auditorium, at the University of Hertfordshire, under the leadership of Annie Brewster JP, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2024-2025.
Annie's awards focused on recognising and celebrating Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities working with people within her High Sheriff's theme of ‘sport for good’.
Annie said, “When I decided to make “Sport for Good” the theme for my year in office I had no idea what I was about to discover within our County. I certainly never imagined we could fill an entire evening with stunning examples of what I have witnessed and still barely scratch the surface of what is being delivered.
It has been an enormous pleasure to visit so many incredible initiatives that use sport or physical activity to assist in crime reduction, educational attainment, community cohesion, skills development, greater productivity, a fitter workforce, not to mention boosting mental health, wellbeing and, most importantly, making us happy.
The judging panel have had a challenging task to choose from so many entries. All involved in the sporting, health or charity sectors, the judges are equally amazed by the impact you are all making and they are delighted to support and encourage your tremendous work”.
The groups recognised for their work were:
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Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT), a charity supporting young people aged 11-24 in Hitchin, Letchworth, and surrounding areas. Through non-contact boxing and wellbeing coaching, they boost mental and physical health, promote discipline and reduces risky behaviours.
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Inclusive United CIC, who work in breaking down barriers and making sports accessible for young adults with learning disabilities, neurodiversity and additional needs.
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Hertford Cycle Hub,, for their heir Herts3Cycle project which provides free, refurbished bikes to those in need—offering independence, access to education and work and improved wellbeing.
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One Impossible Thing, a Dacorum based charity that collects preloved sports shoes and redistributes them, breaking financial barriers to activity. They support schools, refugees, and community projects while promoting sustainability, saving 77.826 tonnes of CO2 through 5,559 donated pairs.
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Stevenage Sporting Futures Team, for their programmes use sport to positively impact young people, offering inclusive events, competitions and workshops that build confidence, teamwork and a love for physical activity. They address mental wellbeing, inequalities and community cohesion, partnering with over 40 schools to inspire and promote health through sport.
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Medialis Wellbeing CIC, for their work in providing opportunities for people to be physically active, supporting young people, adults with long-term health conditions and older adults facing loneliness. Particularly in recognition of their WE CAN Cancer exercise rehabilitation classes.
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Herts Disability Sports Foundation, for their diverse activities that take place across Hertfordshire ensuring everyone can experience the joy of belonging, achieving and staying active.
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West Herts ABC and Educational Support CIC, for their work using boxing and fitness to support young people in Watford. By promoting fair play, resilience, and positive values, they help steer individuals away from negative influences, while enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing.
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In recognition of their outstanding work each organisation received a financial contribution funded through the High Sheriff’s Fund, a charitable fund managed by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
In addition to the High Sheriff Awards, some non-monetary High Sheriff Personal Awards were also presented to the following people:
Ashley Howard, founder of Forever Young People CIC, for his tireless work supporting young people struggling to find their way in the world.
John Manitara, founder of Sporting Inspirations CIC, in recognition of his work to create safer and healthier communities, most notably his flagship Friday Night Project in Borehamwood.
Sam Cload and Will Fraser, from 100 & First Foundation for their inspiration work in HMP The Mount and also Pupil Referral Units in Hertfordshire.
Oaklands College, one of the leading sports colleges in the UK, producing many elite athletes in over a dozen sports. They are creating future role models that inspire everyone to have a go and are lead by a passionate team who believe there is a sport for everyone and encourage all students, and those beyond, to engage with physical activity.
Stuart Williams, for his inspired GOLFA initiative of 'Golf for Good' in our local communities, to break down barriers to participation in what is not a very inclusive sport. who oversees
Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (HACRO), for their ‘Turnaround’ programme, which encourages participation in sport, including boxing, fishing and tennis, ultimately helping people in Hertfordshire who have been on the wrong side of the law to turn their lives around.
Louise Smith, Regional Ambassador for parkrun, who oversees all the parkrun and junior parkrun events across the county, with a relentless enthusiasm and constant desire to create even more opportunities for local people to get active.
John O'Callaghan, Partnership Director, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership,(HSP) 'Mr Hertfordshire Sport' for his unwavering ‘can do’ attitude for not only making things happen, but making the right things happen. Hertfordshire is incredibly lucky to have him at the helm of HSP
