We are pleased to share the results of the 2026 Sports and Leisure Awards, recognising organisations and professionals whose work supports participation, development and wellbeing through sport and physical activity. From specialist facilities and rehabilitation services to coaching, personal training and community programmes, this year’s winners demonstrate the breadth of expertise and commitment found across the sector.
2026 Sports and Leisure Award Winners
Creating clear pathways from first-time participation through to competitive sport has helped North Devon Wake Park earn the Sports and Leisure Facility of the Year award. Its facilities support beginners through dedicated tuition before progressing participants onto a full-size cable lake, while investment in adaptive equipment, SEN sessions and school outreach has widened access to water sports. Having also hosted the UK Cable Wakeboard National Championships, the park combines community accessibility with facilities capable of supporting athletes at a national competitive level.
Community involvement sits at the centre of Al Qawi Self Defence, winner of the Community Impact Award. Its approach combines martial arts and practical self-defence with confidence building, discipline and personal development for participants ranging from young children to older adults. Work with schools, councils and community organisations extends that impact beyond regular classes, while the introduction of female-only sessions has addressed barriers that can prevent women and girls from accessing martial arts.
A career spanning 15 years in sports massage and soft tissue therapy has developed into a multidisciplinary offering at Cardiff Sports Clinic, our Best Sports Physio winner. Since opening the clinic in 2021, its provision has grown to bring together soft tissue therapists, physiotherapists, medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists. Experience working with organisations including international rugby teams, British Women’s Cycling, Welsh Netball and the GB Kendo Team further demonstrates the depth of sporting knowledge behind its clinical work.
Individual-focused coaching is central to the work of Zak Kent, Z-TRAINING, winner of the Personal Trainer of the Year award. His approach is structured around each client’s goals, limitations, mindset and long-term sustainability, with training designed to support more than physical change alone. Through consistency, routine and encouragement, Zak helps clients build confidence, resilience and self-belief alongside strength and physique development. His emphasis on professionalism, integrity and leading by example has helped create trusted, long-term relationships with clients and underpins the recognition he receives this year.
Through dance, mentorship and community activity, Majestic Strength LLC has created an approach to coaching that extends beyond technical development. Its Sports Coach of the Year win recognises a focus on helping young people strengthen their confidence, discipline, leadership and character, with coaching used as a platform for both personal progression and wider community involvement.
2026 Sports and Leisure Award Finalists
- The Average Joe Group – Sports Coach of the Year
- Storm Bodybuilding – Community Impact Award
- Majestic Strength LLC – Sports and Leisure Facility of the Year
More Than the Final Score
Sport and leisure can have an influence well beyond physical performance. Across this year’s awards, we have seen organisations creating clearer routes into participation, making activities more accessible to people with different needs and circumstances, and using coaching as a way to develop confidence, discipline and resilience.
There is also a strong focus on the quality of the environments in which people train, recover and participate. Specialist expertise, appropriate progression, individualised support and thoughtful investment in facilities all contribute to experiences that encourage people to remain engaged with sport and physical activity over the longer term.
From all of us at Altaris Business Awards, congratulations to the winners and finalists of the Sports and Leisure Awards. Their achievements demonstrate the important role that well-delivered sport and leisure services can play in supporting individuals and communities.
