Sports Advancement

For significant impact on sports policy, practice, and innovation.

Winner: The Peter Harrison Centre (Wimbledon Project)

Innovative work from colleagues within the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport has led to an invitation to Wimbledon to conduct pioneering research on wheelchair configurations and surface hardness impacts on grass courts. This groundbreaking work has not only advanced wheelchair tennis performance but also contributed to broader societal goals of inclusivity, physical activity, and sustainability in sports. 

The Peter Harrison Centre (Wimbledon Project) team and the Vice-Chancellor
The Peter Harrison Centre (Wimbledon Project) team receiving a VC award from the Vice-Chancellor, Nick Jennings

Nominees

Para-Sport Against Stigma Project

This interdisciplinary team has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation throughout a transformative project aimed at leveraging Para Sport to drive social change for people with disabilities in African contexts, particularly in Malawi. Among their many achievements was making a significant contribution to policy changes in Malawi concerning disability, sport, and education, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.

CVA’s Football Officiating Academy

The Football Officiating Academy’s inception was introduced by the CVA’s Coaching & Officiating Team in 2023-2024 to be at the heart of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s student football community, developing the next generation of football officials whilst enhancing the student experience through officiating. In 2023/2024, fourteen new referees were qualified, and they received an FA Refereeing Award from the Leicestershire County FA.