Regional sports leaders earn nominations for Make a Difference awards
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 10:05 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Four individuals dedicated to increasing accessibility in sports have been named finalists for the BBC Radio Devon Make a Difference Active Award. The nominees include Gavin Lane, who conducts boxing sessions in Barnstaple specifically for individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Other finalists are Sophie Conbeer, a rowing club captain focused on adaptive equipment, dancer Maryam Pourian, who teaches movement classes for cancer patients, and Gemma Rous, founder of a foundation providing therapeutic sports for children with movement disorders. The nominees emphasize that fostering an inclusive attitude is as vital as providing physical equipment. These awards highlight local efforts to make athletic activity accessible to people with various health conditions and disabilities. The winners will be determined as part of the ongoing BBC Make a Difference recognition program.
- •Gavin Lane runs twice-weekly boxing classes in Barnstaple for people with Parkinson's.
- •Sophie Conbeer advocates for adaptive seating and equipment in rowing.
- •Maryam Pourian offers movement classes designed for participants living with cancer.
- •Gemma Rous established the Penguin Sports Foundation for children with movement disorders.
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Sports leaders making a difference in communities
"Four people making sport more accessible have been nominated for the BBC Make a Difference awards.
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