Martin Baxter, 57, from Ashford, Kent has been Secretary and Event Planner at South Region BMX for as long as he can remember.
The BMX fan first learnt about the sport back in the 1980s and has been a crucial part of it’s growth within the country and in his region over the past few decades.
Baxter was overcome with emotion to receive the award, which was named in memory of the former Daily Telegraph journalist, for his for services to cycling, nominated by Federation Commission or Sport Commission.
“It still has not quite sunk in,” he said. “When you’re a volunteer and get involved in a sport, you just love what you do.
“I have been in the sport for a long time and given a big commitment to BMX in our area and it’s so lovely to get the recognition for that.
“I have a brilliant team to help me and the fact that we can have the events that we put on, it’s a testament to those who are involved.
“This award is very prestigious and it’s so lovely to get.”
Baxter has played a big role in the BMX community as an event organiser as well as helping improve local tracks within the south. Everything he does ultimately comes down to his love of the sport.
“The sport just always appealed to me,” he added. “I was never very good at it but just loved it and my eldest son picked it up as well.
“I just haven’t stopped supporting the sport since, it’s been part of my life for so long.”
The British Cycling Awards are an annual event to recognise and celebrate the achievements of members, volunteers, clubs and riders across the UK, with the 2025 event hosted amongst glitz and glamour at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel.
And after winning one of the sport’s most prestigious accolades due to his special contributions, Baxter noted that it has only inspired him to carry on helping to grow the sport across the region.
“This sport attracts people that want to grow things and my plan now is to bring new people in and grow the sport,” he said.
“Rather than doing everything myself, it’s important to me to bring new people in to help where I can and open the sport up to others.”
Could you develop your skills, meet new people and bring huge impact to your local community through volunteering? Get involved with British Cycling volunteering opportunities at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/volunteering
