On Thursday 12 June 2025, the Parkgate Hotel came alive with the energy, passion and pride of the Welsh sporting community as we were honoured to host the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) Sports Industry Awards 2025 – a night dedicated to celebrating the very best in Wales’ sport and leisure sector.
This year’s awards, held in partnership with headline sponsors Howden, brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the industry. From community-driven initiatives to national campaigns, the evening shone a spotlight on the extraordinary work being done to strengthen, support and inspire Welsh sport.
A Celebration of Community, Collaboration & Impact
From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set for a special evening. A sparkling drinks reception, generously sponsored by Whisper Cymru, welcomed attendees in style and provided the perfect start to a night full of recognition and reflection.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of unity and purpose – underpinned by powerful speeches, standout finalists, and the moving stories behind each nomination. Entertainment from Only Men Aloud added a stirring musical highlight, reminding us all of the emotional power sport and culture share.
Honouring the Standouts of 2025
With nine award categories, including a brand-new addition for 2025, the evening honoured a wide range of achievements – from innovation and inclusivity to sustainability and social impact. A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners, including:
- Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative – Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket, Weightlifting Wales, Wye Gymnastics and Galaxy Cheerleading
- Best Innovation Award – Caerphilly Sport and Leisure Services, Genletics, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust
- Best Social Impact Initiative – Actif Sport and Leisure, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, Newport Live
- …and many more.
These organisations, programmes and individuals are driving real, measurable change – and the awards were a well-deserved platform to share their stories and inspire others across the sector.
Building the Future of Welsh Sport
As proud event partners and organisers, we were especially moved by the sense of shared ambition in the room. The WSA Awards aren’t just about trophies — they’re about collaboration, best-practice, and the collective momentum needed to move our industry forward.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to:
- Howden, our headline sponsors
- All category sponsors, including PureCyber, CBS, Hugh James, Floodlighting and Electrical, and more
- Our drinks sponsors Whisper Cymru
- The speakers, presenters, performers and guests who brought the evening to life
- And of course, the WSA team, for their vision and leadership
Diolch o galon
To everyone who joined us at the Parkgate Hotel – thank you. Your passion, professionalism, and purpose made this event a true celebration of everything Welsh sport stands for.
Here’s to an even stronger year ahead for our sector – and to the people and organisations who make it happen, every day.
📸 Photography by @ashleycrowdenphotography