Arlene is crowned 'physical activity hero'

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is celebratingafter its staff and leisure facilities were recognised at this year’s ukactive Awards, one of the UK’s most prestigious honours in the leisure industry.

Arlene McMinn was crowned Physical Activity Hero, recognising her dedication and the life-changing impact of her work through the ‘Steady and Strong’ and the ‘MORE: Movement for the Mind’ programmes.

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour, congratulated Arlene on her win. “We are incredibly proud of Arlene and all our leisure staff. This award is a testament to her passion, care, and commitment to improving lives through physical activity. She truly embodies what our leisure services stand for - community, health, and inclusivity.”

Arlene’s work has ‘transformed the lives of older adults and individuals recovering from cancer and other serious health conditions, helping them regain confidence, strength, and wellbeing through movement’.

Building on this success, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has recently launched postnatal exercise classes for new mums, which Arlene will lead at the Valley Leisure Centre from Monday 17 November. Classes will also be available at the Antrim Forum.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year the Council has earned national recognition at the ukactive Awards, competing against leading organisations from across the UK. The Antrim Forum and Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre were also finalists in the Regional Centre of the Year category, while the Council itself reached the finals for the Healthy Communities Award.