Virtual Sports Awards 2021 celebrates sports clubs' achievements

Sports clubs celebrate their teammates (image taken pre-COVID)

Imperial Athletes celebrate the incredible successes and achievements from sports clubs and team members this past year.

Last week celebrated the annual Sports Awards 2021. The Sports Awards highlight some of the outstanding efforts and achievements from Imperial Athlete’s sports clubs across the playing field.

In what has been a much-disrupted year of sport due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs and athletes have shown exceptional resilience and adaptability to ensure a large number of COVID-adapted events could still take place.  

Each award recognises teams and individuals who have made a significant impact in their sporting community, whether through providing continued support and engagement for their clubs or excellent performance during their matches.  

Club of the Year was awarded to Handball for their tireless work and dedication in maintaining a community around their sport, including hosting virtual sessions online to watch the IHF Handball World Championships. 

Eve Butler from ICSM Women’s Hockey was awarded the Rising Star for her excellent performance and leadership during matches.

Melissa Steingass, Senior Sports Development Officer, and organiser of the awards this year comments on this year’s circumstances: “This past year has undoubtedly been a turbulent year for sport and our clubs, so there’s even more reason to celebrate the efforts of clubs and individuals for all their hard work and achievements. We can’t wait for sport to get underway for the 2021/2022 year!” 

“I am so proud of the continued perseverance from our teams this year,” said Ross Unwin, ICU Deputy President (Clubs & Societies). “During months of lockdown, they’ve made every effort to keep up the team spirit virtually and banded together when restrictions eased for some stellar matches. Congratulations, everyone!” 

See the full list of winners below:

Club of the Year
This award recognises a student club that has made an impact on the Imperial College environment. This is a club, where possible, that have had successes in all areas of their club over the past year. The impact will not only have been felt within their respective competitions (if applicable) but in all areas of their club, demonstrating good sportsmanship and actively engaging in the wider community.

Winner: Handball


Coach of the Year
This award recognises the contribution of the coach; whether they have sustained, grown or progressed the student club and its sport. This is applicable to virtual coaching to acknowledge their contributions during this exceptional season.

Winner: Alexander Norrbrink (Handball)


Outstanding Contribution
This award recognises an individual that has gone above and beyond for their sport or physical activity at Imperial. They may not necessarily be in the first team or participate at elite level in their sport, but they have been integral to the functioning of their club. This is contribution could be in a range of different club areas, such as training, events, competitions, volunteering, or general club administration. This award is to recognise the lasting impression they have had on sport throughout their time at college. 

Winner: Harry Reynolds (IC Hockey)


Sport Club Member of the Year
An individual club member that has shown exceptional dedication to their sport in terms of performance. This individual does not need to be a scholarship athlete or competing at elite competition level. But it is someone who has performed above and beyond for their club and in sport more generally. They are a member that have lifted the mood and kept spirits high during this past year!

Winner: Rebecca Thompson (ICSM Women’s Hockey)

Rising Star
This award recognises a student in their first year of membership to a club. They have shown outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and passion throughout and have shown themselves to be a promising member of the sporting community for the future.

Winner: Eve Butler (ICSM Women’s Hockey)

A big congratulations to all the winners! For more updates on Imperial Athletes events, you can head over to their Instagram.