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RAF Sports Awards 2021

Air Marshall Andrew Turner.
Air Marshal Andrew Turner, Deputy Commander Capability RAF was in attendance to the RAF Sports Awards 2021.

The RAF Sports Awards 2021 Ceremony was held at RAF Halton House Officers’ Mess, to celebrate the achievements of our athletes, coaches, teams, administrators and others working within RAF sports.  This is the first time the event has been held since 2019, with the Awards being cancelled in 2020 due to the Pandemic.

The Awards saw a Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Year, Sports Team, Sports Official/Coach, and Administrator awarded for their success and commitments.  There were also three Lifetime Awards for achievements and dedication over the course of a sporting career, and four Special Awards for work during COVID-19. 

Below is a full list of the winners:

  • Sportsman of the Year – Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin (Martial Arts/Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin shakes hands with Air Marshall Andrew Turner while accepting his award.
Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin won Sportsman of the Year for Martial Arts/Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
  • Sportswoman of the Year – Senior Aircraftwoman Shona Brownlee (Para-Ski)
Senior Aircraftwoman Shona Brownlee shakes hands with Air Marshall Andrew Turner while accepting her award, with two others.
Senior Aircraftwoman Shona Brownlee won Sportswoman of the Year for Para-Ski.
  • Sports Team – RAF Sea Angling.  The team have amazingly caught the Inter Services title for a 14th successive year
  • Sports Official/Coach – Sergeant Kevin Saunby (Football referees)
  • Sports Administrator – Flying Officer Hilton (Fencing
Flying Officer Hilton shakes hands with Air Marshall Andrew Turner while accepting his award.
Flying Officer Hilton won Sports Administrator for Fencing.
  • Sports Article of the Year - Lynsey Kelly
Lynsey Kelly shakes hands with Air Marshall Andrew Turner while accepting his award.
Lynsey Kelly won Sports Article of the Year.
  • Lifetime Awards:
  1. Warrant Officer Giles (Cricket)
  2. Chief Technician Duff (Canoeing)
  3. Squadron Leader Whalley (Boxing)
Warrant Officer Ian Giles holds his award.
Warrant Officer Giles won a Lifetime Award for Cricket.
  • COVID-19 Special Award:
  1. Flight Sergeant Taylor (Ultra-running)
  2. Flight Sergeant Slator (Motorsports – from Administrator)
  3. Group Captain Peters (Gliding from Administrator)
  4. Sergeant Welch (Med and Fencing)

Sport in the RAF is critical to building operational capability, warrior spirit, resilience and team working skills.  It also enables personal development, a way to destress and maintain a healthy mind and body while boosting the morale of the whole RAF community. 

"[I am] shocked, to be honest - the other nominees had such amazing sheets as far as their achievements.  It's really hard to compare yourself but I honestly thought one of the others would win it.  I'm kind of just overjoyed."

Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin
Sportsman of the Year

The RAF offers a huge range of sports, such as archery, canoeing, fencing, golf, microlight flying and sailing; from Station clubs to representing the RAF as an elite athlete on an international level.

Footage from the Awards Ceremony can be viewed here, on the Forces Net website.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for the RAF Sports Awards 2021