Hillingdon Triathletes from London has made the shortlist for the Resilience in Adversity category at the Community Sport and Recreation Awards 2024, a nationally-recognised awards programme organised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

The submission, made by Hillingdon Triathletes within the Resilience in Adversity category, was to demonstrate how as a club, they have dealt with the cost-of-living crisis in operating the club, encouraging people to join, and running an effective events programme as well as the various coaching sessions they offer.  

With the cost of living crisis, many community sports clubs and facilities were under pressure, however Hillingdon were able to tackle the issues they faced to end 2023 in a strong and healthy position. 

Also part of their nomination was for the club’s Super League initiative which has led to an increase in participation, a renewed engagement from club members, team bonding, and an overriding sense of fun whether competing or volunteering.  

The club also developed a bursary fund for anyone struggling to enter events due to cost, while free taster sessions have also encouraged new members to join, contributing to a 40% increase in club members which hit a record number of 354 in 2023. 

On being named a finalist, Jacqui Burke, Club Chair from Hillingdon Triathlon Club, said: “I am immensely proud of how our club has performed over the last few years. 

“There have been difficult times for all sports across the country after the pandemic but with some restructuring, new initiatives, and support from all our club members, we have seen a growth within our club - members and participation rates at our events.  

“We are not complacent, as we know there are still challenges ahead but we are in a good position to remain as a leading triathlon club both within London and nationally.” 

Hillingdon have been named against Onboard Skatepark, Sheffield and Wiltshire County Netball Association in the Resilience in Adversity category. 

The winner will be crowned at an awards ceremony on 8 March 2024 at Headingley Stadium in Leeds. Each of the winners in the eight categories will receive a £1000 prize.  

The Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Community Sport and Recreation Awards have been running for over 25 years, and are an annual celebration of the grassroots clubs, organisations and individuals that help facilitate and support activity in our communities.