'Inspirational' NI woman named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 Unsung Hero

The 15 winners of BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 Unsung Hero award have been announced. The gongs celebrate each person's individual contribution to grassroots sports across the UK.

There are winners from each of the BBC’s nations and regions, and one overall winner will be revealed during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Tuesday, December 17, live on BBC One and the iPlayer.

The Unsung Hero award celebrates the volunteers who make a positive impact on their community by enabling participation in grassroots sports, bringing people together with a shared passion for sport.

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Northern Ireland's winner in 2024 is Rachel Reid, who is head coach of Lagan Dragons, Northern Ireland’s first Dragon Boat Club for those affected by breast cancer.

The BBC said: "Rachel has built a supportive and empowering community. She dedicates countless hours to training, adapting programs for health needs, and organising regattas, often at her own expense.

"Under her leadership, the team has earned regatta medals while nearly 100 members have gained confidence and strength through the sport. Rachel’s work highlights the physical and emotional benefits of dragon boating, bringing people together and raising awareness for cancer survivors."

The inspirational sporting stories of each winner were shared by their local BBC News this evening, and can be found on the BBC Sport website and app.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport added: “The BBC is proud to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make grassroots sports possible by creating opportunities and bringing communities together. Their passion and dedication are the heart of sport, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on their amazing work through the BBC Sport Personality Unsung Hero award.”

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