Great Western Runners Charity of the Year 2025/26

Following a vote by club members, Access Sport Bristol has been selected as the Great Western Runners Charity of the Year for 2025/26.

Bristol Access Sport is a local charity dedicated to making sport and physical activity accessible to everyone, regardless of background, ability, disability or personal circumstances. Through partnerships with schools, clubs and community organisations across Bristol, the charity helps remove barriers to participation and creates opportunities for people to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sport.

The charity’s values closely reflect many of the principles that ADMF stood for: inclusion, community, opportunity and ensuring that everyone has the chance to take part in sport and physical activity. Their work recognises that sport is about far more than performance or competition – it is about building confidence, improving wellbeing, creating friendships and helping people feel part of a community.

As runners, we understand the positive impact that being active can have on people’s lives. Whether someone is taking their first steps into sport, overcoming challenges, building confidence or simply looking for a supportive environment, access to physical activity can be life-changing. Bristol Access Sport works tirelessly to create those opportunities for people who may otherwise miss out.

Throughout the 2025/26 club year, we will support Bristol Access Sport through fundraising activities at a range of social and club events. From raffles and quizzes to club socials and special fundraising initiatives, members will have plenty of opportunities to contribute and help support the charity’s important work across the city.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Bristol Access Sport continue delivering programmes that make sport more inclusive and accessible for people throughout Bristol.

We are delighted to support Bristol Access Sport as our Charity of the Year and look forward to raising funds together while celebrating the values of inclusion, community and opportunity that unite both the charity and our club.

Mark Watts

GWR Chair