Last year, a challenging time for the whole world and our county, the GBA Awards recognised the fantastic contribution of local individuals and organisations to the mental and physical wellbeing of Berkshire residents. The 'Berkshire physical activity lockdown hero', a campaign celebrating the 9th GBA Awards' winners on BBC Radio Berkshire and social media, united residents, communities and activity providers around the joy and importance of physical activity and helped keep spirits high in the county during the winter lockdown.
This year, as we are recovering from the pandemic, the 10th GBA Awards will continue recognising individuals and organisations that contributed to a healthier and more resilient Berkshire. There is one award category – the 'Berkshire physical activity hero'.
Daniel Pringle
During lockdown Dan, who is a P.E Teacher at Maiden Erlegh School, ran around Lower Earley, Earley and Shinfield dressed in a blow-up dinosaur costume to raise money for new sports equipment for his students, as well as Laurel Park Diamondz. He took on various challenges, including running the Reading Half Marathon.
During lockdown Dan also ran virtual primary school and cross-country competitions, which saw 1200 local primary school students out running from nearly 50 Berkshire primary schools.
Daniel said: " I am humbled and proud to have been nominated for this award. I am fortunate to work in a fantastic team in the Maiden Erlegh School PE Department, full of colleagues who inspire me every single day. They have done so much to engage the community through Covid times and to fundraise to provide sports equipment for our students.
I was able to do my bit through my running as a dinosaur and in other inflatable costumes. I would like to thank everyone who was generous enough to sponsor my efforts during the November Reading Half Marathon. We managed to raise hundreds of pounds for the U9 and U10 Laurel Park football teams I help coach as well as for new table tennis tables and other sports equipment for Maiden Erlegh School students to benefit from. I am very grateful for everyone's support."
