By Alice Warner
Sporting heroes came together last Wednesday (Nov 14) to celebrate the ninth annual Blaby District Local Sports Alliance Awards (LSA).
The evening honoured sporting stars, clubs and volunteers who have achieved something special this year.
Leona Knott, a fitness instructor, won the Local Sports Alliance Special Recognition Award for her contribution to teaching local sports in the area for more than ten years.
OVERJOYED: Award winner Leona Knott having a good time at the awards.She said: “Winning the Special Recognition Award at Blaby LSA Awards was such a shock! I never thought I would win after hearing all the amazing achievements throughout the evening, we are all worthy winners.
“I would just like to say a huge thank you to Brockington College and Winstanley College for hosting me for all these years and allowing me to achieve my goals.”
Winners included youngster Matthew Pietrzyk who won Sports Person of the Year (with a disability).
Both before and after Matthew’s kidney transplant, he was part of the award-winning Leicester Panthers U-13 Dodgeball team who won the British Championships, he is also a tireless campaigner raising awareness for donors.
The night was a reflective one for all those who attended, it showed the love and passion that they all have for sport and health.
“SUCH A SHOCK”: Leona Knott receiving her award from Ian Stringer on the stage at Countesthorpe Leysland Community College.Mrs Knott, said: “I was personally quite overwhelmed by the whole ceremony.
“I do what I do out of passion and love for my community, taking part in dance and fitness can help individuals become a happier healthier being.
“I deliver classes that help individuals mental health and physical well-being, nothing gives me more pleasure than to support people who are battling many personal health issues and physical limitations.”
Leona teaches seven classes a week ranging from Zumba to Circuits catering for all types of people and their fitness abilities.
Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Health Improvement, Leisure & Regulatory Services, said: “Every year these awards show us the amount of sporting talent and the selfless volunteers we have in the district is endless. We are proud of them all, and hope they continue their incredible achievements.
“I want to thank all of our category sponsors, including our main sponsor Everyone Active, for helping us to make this night possible and ensuring we can celebrate these outstanding achievements in front of finalists’ friends and families.”
If you want to find out more about Leona’s classes visit ‘Leona Knott’ on Facebook or email: Leona_knott@hotmail.co.uk.
