Bob Bowman,Chief Operating Officer of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, paid tribute to the charity’s numerous winners and shortlisted finalists at the 2019 Leeds Sports Awards.
Speaking after the event, Bowman said: “It was a tremendous evening of success for Leeds Rhinos Foundation at the Leeds Sports Awards. The very worthy recipients illustrate the breadth and impact of the Leeds Rhinos ‘family’.
“My congratulations go to the teams from Guiseley Rangers and Corpus Christi, who are both great partners of Leeds Rhinos Foundation and thoroughly deserved the recognition for their achievements. Similarly, Hunslet Club Parkside for being highly commended for Team of the Year, as 2018 was an amazing year for them.
“We were very proud to be highly commended along with our partners, Yorkshire Cancer Research, for our inspirational Active Beyond Cancer programme which is helping to make a positive impact on people’s lives across Leeds.”
It was a particularly successful night for the Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League team, with three members of last year’s Grand Final-winning side receiving awards.
Bowman said: “The disability game in the city was rightly rewarded too, with Nathan Collins being crowned Young Disability Sportsman, James Simpson named as Disability Sportsman, and to huge roars in the crowd, Jodie-Ann Boyd-Ward taking home the coveted Disability Sportswoman title.
“Special recognition must also go to Lois Forsell, who, in a very competitive public vote, took away the Sportswoman of the Year title.
“Lois is a champion on and off the field and her impact in the past, present and future for female Rugby League is truly amazing. This was the icing on the cake for the inaugural 2018 Leeds Rhinos Women Rugby League team, which Lois captained to Challenge Cup and League leaders’ glory.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Bowman added: “It was a tremendous pleasure to be at an event where the city celebrates the amazing successes of so many sporting teams and individuals, and where stars like Josh Warrington mingle with the inspirational ‘Leeds Girl Can’ team. It’s a truly inclusive event and the range of awards and winners reflect that.
“A huge congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted finalists, as well as Sport Leeds and Banana Kick for putting on such a great event.”