Meet the 2024 #BeActive Awards finalists – Local Hero

The finalists have demonstrated consistency and commitment to promoting participation in sport in their local community and have worked determinedly to promote physical activity in their environment. 

Meet the finalists in the Local Hero category 

Alessio Bernabò     

Skipper Alessio Bernabò won the Pierre Hamon Trophy for Line Honours. He crossed the line in his Class 40 sailboat. His mixed crew included a young woman at her first experience, an instructor and a novice sailor. 

This success is a testament to Alessio Bernabò's years of dedication as a sailing instructor, with a focus on empowering people with disabilities to explore and engage with this world.

Alessio’s next challenge was the 151 miles of Livorno at the end of May 2024. He sailed with a crew consisting entirely of people with disabilities. Alessio's story is full of courage, resilience and determination. 

It can be a catalyst for positive change and inspire many others to follow the path of sport. overcome barriers and achieve dreams, building positive attitudes that can lead to real change.  

Jacek Łuniewski 

Jacek Łuniewski is the originator and animator of the sports lifestyle in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland. Jacek's activity is a comprehensive programme promoting a healthy lifestyle through the Korean martial art Taekwondo. 

The programme combines physical, mental and social aspects to promote the overall development of participants of all levels and abilities.  

Teaching emphasis on moral and ethical values such as courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Jacek was the first in Poland to introduce Taekwon-Do training with the participation of people with disabilities. 

This initiative was extended by organising regional and national competitions in which people with disabilities could participate and which largely contributed to creation of the new community networks. 

Jacek's unique and groundbreaking activities in Poland are already being copied by other sport clubs in Europe.

Bonny Madsen           

Bonny Madsen embodies altruism, care, passion and perseverance. She demonstrates the impact that one person can have on her community. 

The lesson we can learn from Bonny and her “Mills Club” is that fighting for what you believe in and supporting young, vulnerable people in your local community is always worth it. 

Young people need a platform for self-expression and deserve the opportunity to develop through sports. Bonny has used her relentless energy to build a successful local club and a brand new hall in a very short time. 

Thanks to Bonny, you truly believe that young people from all backgrounds deserve equal opportunities to participate and excel in physical activity and have a chance to develop to their full potential.