Active Bradford will celebrate the people, groups and organisations who have been keeping the district moving during the pandemic.

Active Bradford's Covid Champions, sponsored by Living Well, replaces the Active Bradford Sports Awards that has been a highlight of the districts sporting calendar for the last five years. But in the absence of almost all elite and amateur sport throughout the last year, 2021 will see an online showcase of those who have responded to the crisis and continued to provide ways for people to be active.

Whether it's activity sessions online, providing socially distanced classes, or simply motivating others to be more active, sport and activity in Bradford has looked very different for much of the last 12 months.

We are looking for:

• Individuals, groups or organisations that have gone the extra mile to continue to provide sport and/or physical activity support to benefit the health and wellbeing of an individual or group of individuals.
• Clubs who have actively adapted to continue to engage their members during lockdown.
• Schools that have pro-actively encouraged sport and physical activity for their pupils both remotely, and for those in school settings.
• Workplaces that have pro-actively encouraged their staff to be active whilst business has been disrupted with either staff furloughed or working from home, and unable to come together as a team in a physical way.

During one week in May, the Active Bradford Twitter account will turn the spotlight on those who have made it possible, and while there will be no awards, it will be an opportunity to say 'thank-you' on behalf of the district for the role those people have played in supporting communities to keep on moving.

Wayne Jacobs, Chair of Active Bradford, said: "We know the power of sport and activity to have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of people in the district, and during the pandemic that has been of increased importance.

"That's why we want to take the opportunity to thank those who provided – and continue to provide – ways for people to be active. Everyone's normal has looked very different since last March, but the ability to adapt and innovate has provided people with an outlet at a time when it has been needed most."

Rose Dunlop, Consultant in Public Health said "It's great that Living Well is sponsoring Active Bradford's Covid Champions. It's a wonderful way to show appreciation for the motivation, help and support that individuals, groups and organisations have offered to people in our district during restrictions and lockdowns.

Being active is great for people's physical and mental wellbeing, it can improve sleep, increase energy levels and also boost the immune system, so the amazing work that these awards will recognize has been, and continues to be, vital for everyone's wellbeing."

Make your nomination online before 11.59pm on Sunday 11th April.