A Grimsby table tennis world champion who has spent decades coaching other disabled people in the sport was left in a “state of complete shock” when he found out he had made the New Years’ Honours List 2025.
Colin Woodford, 69, who has Cerebral Palsy, has been recognised for his services to disabled people and the community in North East Lincolnshire with a British Empire Medal.
He has won various national championships over the years and even won the World Championship for his disability class in both 1997 and 2005. In 1999, he helped to set up the Disability Sports Forum in Grimsby to encourage disabled people into the world of sport, and still runs weekly sports nights to this day.
Colin, who is also the Treasurer of the Table Tennis Association, has coached many people, many of whom have gone on to win national titles.
Speaking to Grimsby Live about his award, Colin said: “When I found out I’d been mentioned in the Honours List I was in a state of complete shock, and felt honoured. Whoever put the proposal forward must think a lot of me. It’s absolutely lovely to be awarded the medal, but I love what I do anyway.
Colin (far right) and members and associates of the North East Lincolnshire Disability Sports Forum
(Image: Disability Sports Forum)
“I don’t do it for awards or acclaim, I do it because I love promoting sport and table tennis. I’ve made many friends through the sport and visited various countries, and at my age, it’s what keeps me going.”
Colin has helped hundreds of disabled people in North East Lincolnshire over the years through helping them get involved in sport. He set up the North East Lincolnshire Disability Sports Forum 25 years ago, and still runs the weekly multi-activity club between 5pm and 7pm each Tuesday at Clee Sports Hall on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, for just £1 per person.
Run entirely by volunteers, the registered charity caters to all disabilities, with its activities including table tennis, air hockey, basketball and boccia. Its calendar of events includes boccia competitions, bowling sessions, an annual visit to watch a Grimsby Town FC game and an annual ‘Walk in the Park’ with a barbecue, organised by the Rotary Club of Cleethorpes.
While many members of the group attend primarily for the recreational and social aspect, there are many pathways in place for members who wish to take their sport more seriously.
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Its members have included two Paralympians – Susie Robinson, Boccia, Athens 2004 and Jamie Carter, Wheelchair Racing, London 2012 – and another member, Leanne Stephen, competed in the Ladies’ Wheelchair Table Tennis competition at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking about the forum, Colin said: “There’s so much negative coverage of disabilities so it’s so nice to say that this is what we have achieved. For the last 20 years or more, I’ve been trying to promote sport amongst people with disabilities. It’s so important to keep active and it improves mental health, too. It gives you something to do – I don’t know what I’d do without sport.”
The Disability Sports Forum is still looking for new members – you can join their group on Facebook by clicking here. You can also call Colin for more information on 01472 505230.