Baroness Grey-Thompson has been awarded the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s prestigious Arthur Bell Trophy this morning in the stunning backdrop of St. James’s Palace in London.
The Arthur Bell Trophy is presented each year at the Alliance's Community Sport and Recreation Awards to the individual or organisation that is deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to the development of community sport
Previous winners have included Lord Coe, Sir John Major and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Andy Reed, Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, believes that Grey-Thompson was a worthy winner.
“From her sterling athletics career to her many worthwhile projects and achievements off the track, Tanni has become a household name.
"The profile of disability sport is just one of the causes that she has managed to move up the political agenda – particularly in her role as an influential cross-bencher in the House of Lords.
“Her bold and refreshing leadership style – as well as her integrity and passionate determination – singles her out as an outstanding role model both in the sports world and beyond. The Alliance has worked closely with her over the years and we look forward to doing so in the years to come.”
Commenting on the award, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said:
"It's a huge privilege to receive this award from the Sport and Recreation Alliance. Sport is amazing and it's been an honour to have been involved in it – both as an athlete and in the work that I do now. Sport is like a family – we might not always agree but the opportunity if we do speak as one voice is huge.
"It's about making a difference to the next generation – and that's what sport can do."
Also honoured at the Sport and Recreation Alliance's Community Sport and Recreation Awards were Professor Peter Thomas MBE and Cedric Selby who were awarded the Emeritus Award.
