IWG Celebrates Sport and Recreation Alliance’s 90th Anniversary and 2025 AGM at St James’s Palace

On Wednesday 12 November 2025, IWG Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe MBE represented the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport at the Sport and Recreation Alliance 90th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General Meeting, held at the historic St James’s Palace in London.  

Chaired by the Alliance’s President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the event brought together leaders from across the UK’s sport and recreation sector to reflect on nine decades of progress since the Alliance was founded by Phyllis Colson in 1935, whilst also recognising outstanding service and celebrating the recipients of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards (Youth Edition).

Four long-serving Vice-Presidents of the Alliance were honoured. Professor Peter Thomas MBE for more than 50 years of service, Margaret Peggie OBE, Brigid Simmonds OBE, and Howard Wells OBE for over 25 years of leadership. 

Clare Balding CBE received the Arthur Bell Trophy for her outstanding contribution to sport and recreation, particularly her advocacy for disability sport and women’s sport. The Spirit of Sport and Recreation Award was presented to Steve Greatorex, recognising his lifetime of work creating opportunities for disabled people across multiple sports. 

The Community Sport and Recreation Awards: Youth Edition 2025 highlighted nine inspiring young leaders already making a meaningful impact in grassroots sport. Lisa O’Keefe presented Athena Bashar with the Young Community Champion of the Year Award. Athena is a qualified boxing and Muay Thai coach, psychology graduate, and youth worker who founded ModestMoves CIC to create safe, inclusive spaces for women and has done much to help empower women in her community through martial arts and personal development. 

Lisa O’Keefe MBE, IWG Secretary General 

“It was a privilege to represent the IWG at such a significant moment for the Sport and Recreation Alliance, celebrating long-standing service and recognising young leaders already making a significant impact to the lives of others through sport and physical activity. Congratulations to everyone who received an award”.