The Power of Motivation: How Elite Athletes Stay Driven to Perform
United Kingdom
Whether it’s chasing a new personal best, returning from injury, or representing their country, sport is about more than talent or physical ability, but also the inner mindset that keeps athletes going through challenges, setbacks and pressure.
As a global sportswear provider, we’re committed to supporting this whole journey by providing innovative, high-performance kit that helps athletes feel confident, focused and empowered to perform at their best.
We spoke with four of our elite ambassadors – nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE, world number ten ranked beach volleyball duo the Bello Brothers and England Lacrosse international Liv Thomas to explore how they stay motivated.
Hannah Cockroft CBE
“Mindset plays a massive role in my training and competition. It’s so hard to get a good session in when your mind is determined not to enjoy it,” she said.
“I truly believe that 50% of winning is believing you can.”
To sharpen that belief, Hannah uses visualisation to prepare mentally for each race, allowing her to focus and eliminate distractions.
When it comes to performance wear, practicality and psychology are equally important.
“I need clothing that works with my race chair and doesn’t distract me mid-session.
“It’s also about looking elite, because when you look the part, you feel the part.”
Javier & Joa Bello
For the Bello Brothers, mental preparation is at the core of their world-class performance, beginning long before the first serve.
“We always begin tournament days with a morning activation — light training, scouting opponents, and setting a game plan. That structure gives us confidence and helps manage pressure.”
As brothers and teammates, their unique connection fuels their performance.
“In beach volleyball it’s just the two of us — no coach, no substitutions. Trust is one of our biggest strengths. It’s taken years to build that bond.”
Liv Thomas
After two major injuries in just 18 months, Liv knows exactly how motivation and resilience intertwine.
“Staying in touch with my teammates and sharing my journey online helped me stay accountable and reminded me of how far I’d come,” Liv reflects.
Returning to the international stage has given her a new appreciation for the sport.
“I’ve become so much more grateful for every time I get to step on the pitch.
“Putting on that England shirt again was such a powerful moment. Wearing it just motivates me to keep working and to never take it for granted.”
What Motivation Means to Them
We asked each athlete to sum up what motivation in sport means to them:
– Hannah Cockroft CBE: “Motivation is waking up every day and wanting to be better than yesterday.”
– Javier & Joa Bello: “It’s the drive to prove to ourselves that we belong with the best.”
– Liv Thomas: “Motivation is knowing how far I’ve come and how far I still want to go.”
Motivation, powered by performance
Motivation looks different for every athlete — but mindset is what drives progress. Kukri is proud to support athletes through every step of their journey, with sportswear that empowers them to perform, focus, and keep moving forward.
KUKRI SPORTS CELERATES PRIDE MONTH WITH VOICES FROM PARTNER ATHLETES
Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate Pride Month by amplifying the voices of partner athletes who embody the spirit of inclusivity, diversity and acceptance in sport.
This Pride Month, we’re shining a light on what pride means in sport, through the powerful words of athletes from our partners including British Wheelchair Basketball, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Exeter and UBC Women’s Rugby in Canada.
What pride means to our athletes
Lucy Robinson, a member of the British Wheelchair Basketball GB Women’s team and 2018 U24 European Championships gold medallist, shares: “Pride Month is a chance to celebrate equality, inclusivity and love… to shout loudly about love being love.”
James Kay, a former national-level track cycling athlete and current Manchester Met University futsal player, emphasises: “It’s a time to celebrate and support others so people can feel they can be their true self without being discriminated against.”
Jennifer Jones, a dedicated player for Manchester Met Women’s Rugby, sees pride as both a personal and collective celebration: “It means a huge sense of community and a celebration of who we are as individuals, regardless of outside constraint.”
Chloe Whitworth, sports president at University of Exeter, highlights: “Pride celebrates the historic significance of LGBTQ+ community and embraces inclusivity by being yourself.”
Anonymous,a current player for UBC Women’s Rugby player, powerfully states: “It’s a time of visibility, reflection and celebration.
“Pride is about rejecting the idea that you have to hide part of yourself to play the sport you love.”
Building inclusive teams and environments
Our partner athletes consistently share how their sport and teams foster a sense of belonging:
– Lucy Robinson (British Wheelchair Basketball): “We are all one. Wheelchair basketball includes everyone — ability, disability, gender, race or sexuality.”
– James Kay (Manchester Met): “We promote campaigns like Rainbow Laces and challenge hateful behaviour.”
– Jennifer Jones (Manchester Met): “Rugby values what makes each player great — it’s made for all shapes of body and mind.”
– Chloe Whitworth (University of Exeter): “We want everyone to feel the benefits of playing without barriers.”
– Anonymous (UBC Rugby): “We live out inclusivity through our culture, conversations and commitment.”
Why belonging in sport matters
Every athlete we spoke to share the same belief: sport should be a place where you’re not only accepted, but celebrated:
– Lucy Robinson: “Sport gives the opportunity to not only be who you are, but celebrate it. Feeling like you belong creates confidence and happiness.”
– UBC Rugby: “Belonging means you can show up without fear, take risks, and be vulnerable. “When sport is inclusive, it becomes a space of healing, empowerment and transformation.”
– Jennifer Jones: Authenticity is rare — and you’ll find yourself 10x happier just being you.”
– Chloe Whitworth: “Sport is a universal language – you should always feel like you can be yourself, surrounded by a close-knit family with a common love.”
– James Kay: “Embrace your true self. You’ll always find a place where you’re accepted.”
Kukri Sports’ commitment
We stand with the LGBTQ+ community in sport and beyond. Together, we can create environments where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Because sport belongs to everyone.
Kukri Sports Joins Forces with Lagan Dragons to Champion Breast Cancer Awareness
Ireland
Kukri Sports is proud to partner with the Lagan Dragons, Belfast’s pioneering dragon boat team that supports individuals affected by breast cancer.
Champions on and off the water
Open to all as a registered Community Amateur Sports Club, the Lagan Dragons have built a strong reputation not just for their impact off the water, but also their success on it – claiming podium finishes at events across Ireland and beyond.
Their impressive track record includes finishing first place in the BCS category at the Hong Kong Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta, a recent second place at Lough Rinn and a third-place finish at last year’s Barcelona International Dragon Boat Festival in the ‘Breast Cancer Survivors’ category.
The supporters’ t-shirt: A symbol of unity and support
Through this partnership, Kukri is providing bespoke kit for the team, including customised fleeces, smocks, performance t-shirts, vests and a specially designed supporters’ t-shirt aimed at the wider community.
Available for personalisation, 10% of each sale from the supporters’ t-shirt will be rebated directly back to the Lagan Dragons, significantly aiding their fundraising efforts and helping to spread vital awareness.
Voices of the partnership
Karen Dougan, captain of Lagan Dragons and currently living with stage four breast cancer, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative.
“We’re delighted to launch our new supporter’s tee in partnership with Kukri Sports – designed especially for fans, family and friends who stand with us on and off the water.
“With Kukri’s support, we’ve created a high-quality tee that lets you show your pride in style – whether you are cheering from the shore, volunteering at events or simply backing the team you love.”
She added, “This is more than just a great piece of kit – it represents our mission to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, provide opportunities to participate in dragon boating, offer wellness and education, and build a supportive community for all those affected by breast cancer.
“Wear it with pride. Stand with the Dragons.”
Our community support
The initiative forms part of Kukri Ireland’s wider strategy to support meaningful community projects and further expand its footprint across a more diverse range of sports, including recent moves into volleyball and pickleball.
Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland, added, “We’re incredibly proud to support the Lagan Dragons, not only as athletes, but as advocates, survivors and difference makers.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to community-focused initiatives and marks another step in our mission to support and celebrate sport in all its forms across the country.”
This partnership is more than just sport—it’s about strength, community, and standing together in the face of adversity. By wearing the Lagan Dragons supporters’ t-shirt, you’re not only backing a team—you’re championing a cause.
How you can support the Lagan Dragons
Lagan Dragons are heading to Berlin next to take part in the CityCup from 5th to 6th July, at the regatta course in Berlin-Grünau.
The supporters’ t-shirt now, available until 6th July only. Shop now.
Kukri Sports Powers British Rowing to Golden Glory at European Championships
United Kingdom
Great Britain’s rowing team delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 European Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (29 May – 1 June), finishing top of the overall medal table to defend their European title.
Of the 39 athletes selected, 28 were crowned champions of Europe, marking one of British Rowing’s most successful European campaigns to date, fuelled by the debut of Kukri’s new high-performance rowing suits.
High-Performance Kukri Rowing Suits Make Championship Debut
Worn for the first time at a major European event, Kukri’s high-performance rowing suits supported all GB crews, delivering comfort, confidence and elite performance on the water.
British Rowing’s crews claimed nine medals, six of which were gold, that underlined the power of preparation and benefits of cutting-edge kit.
Rising Stars & Record Breakers
Reigning Olympic champion, Lauren Henry, delivered one of the performances of the championships in the Women’s single sculls, claiming gold in her first senior international regatta in this boat class.
“To make the podium is really, really special. I wanted to come here and make a name for myself and I feel like I’ve done that.
“I want to be World Champion, I want to be Olympic Champion, I want to break the world best time, I want to be the most successful British single sculler ever. That’s my aim. I’ve still got many years to go — but watch this space!”
Benjamin Pritchard Sets Records & Makes History
Paralympic champion Bejamin Pritchard made his mark with a gold medal in the PR1 Men’s single sculls, setting a world best time of 08:40.38.
“I’m the first ever British PR1 European Champion. Full stop,” Pritchard said.
“Getting a World best time twice in a week is all pretty special to go down in the history books for that. I’m just getting started.”
More Medals & European Best Times
GB Rowing Team’s success continued with a gold, silver and two bronze medals on the first day of the finals.
The women’s quadruple sculls crew of Sarah McKay, Lola Anderson, Cam Nyland and Becky Wilde stormed to gold in a European Championship best time, highlighting the strength in depth across the team, with the women’s eight team also putting on a show to win their race in style.
The GB Men’s eight made history of their own, defeating a powerful Dutch crew by just 0.24 seconds to claim their fifth consecutive European title, setting a new British record in the process and reinforcing their dominance on the continental stage.
Pushing the Limits with Kukri
“We are very proud to have played a part in this golden chapter for British Rowing,” said Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.
“There’s a real sense of pride in seeing our suits contribute to history being made, and supporting these fantastic athletes as they continue to chase greatness.”
Looking Ahead
Next up this season, British Rowing will be competing in the World Rowing Cup Varese from 13 – 15 June, with all six European gold medal winning crews returning to represent Great Britain.
Kukri stands proudly behind British Rowing – delivering elite sportswear that performs at the highest level.
Paralympic Icon Hannah Cockroft Joins Kukri Sports as New Ambassador
United Kingdom
Kukri Sports is thrilled to welcome one of Britain’s most decorated para-athletes, Hannah Cockroft, as its newest brand ambassador, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, performance and empowering athletes at every level.
A Shared Vision of Inclusion and Excellence
A nine-time Paralympic champion, multiple world-record holder and trailblazer in para-sport, Hannah has been a dominant force in wheelchair racing since making her debut for Great Britain at the age of 18.
Her career has long been connected to the national athletics system in the UK, including events supported by England Athletics and British Athletics. Through domestic competitions, talent pathways and advocacy for para-athletes, Hannah has been a visible and vocal figure across the athletics landscape.
As the official kit provider for England Athletics, Kukri has championed athletes like Hannah from grassroots through to elite level. This includes proud support for the Youth Talent Programme, which plays a vital role in developing young athletes, both able-bodied and para, as part of the England Athletics talent pathway.
This shared, inclusive approach reflects Kukri’s belief in championing potential across all disciplines, ensuring the next generation of stars has access to opportunity, resources and representation to help fulfil their potential.
“The First Kit Provider to Join My Team in 17 Years”
“Having the opportunity to be an ambassador for Kukri Sports is incredible – they’re the first kit provider to join my team in 17 years,” Hannah said.
“It means so much to me that they’re supporting a para-athlete, a group who are so often overlooked.
“I find it amazing that Kukri supports athletes at all levels, because the grassroots element is so often ignored, so to be able to work with a brand who have the same values as me makes me feel proud.
“I’m excited to work on developing the perfect kit for me, to gain new experiences, and to be part of something bigger than just sport.”
The announcement follows Kukri’s partnership extension with Team England, where they will continue as the official kit supplier through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
A Legacy of Dominance on the Global Stage
Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hannah’ for her explosive power on the track, Hannah has delivered landmark moments throughout her illustrious career. She made her paralympic debut at the London 2012 Olympic Games, capturing gold in the T34 100m and 200m events, while setting two new paralympic records in the process.
Her dominance continued with triple gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and double gold in the 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing her paralympic gold medal tally to nine. She is also the most decorated British athlete in WorldChampionship history, with 16 titles to her name.
Currently, she holds the T34 world records for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m—an unprecedented feat. In 2022, Hannah was appointed OBE in the King’s New Year Honours followed by CBE in last year’s New Year Honours list, recognising not only her sporting excellence but her tireless advocacy for inclusion and representation in sport.
She was also named British Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Journalists’ Association in 2017, the first para-athlete to ever receive the award in its 57-year history.
Cockroft has been a proud member of Team England, famously leading a 1-2-3 finish in the T34 100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Kukri’s ongoing partnership with Team England ensures elite athletes like Hannah are equipped to perform at their best on the global stage.
On Track For 2025
Hannah’s 2025 season is already off to a promising start. She recently kicked things off with a 10-day training camp in Switzerland, where she also opened her competitive season.
“I’m currently in Switzerland, where I’ve been on a 10-day training camp before my season opener last weekend,” she shared. “Although there were no records broken, I set World Lead times in the 1000m, 400m and 800m events, so it’s a good place to start.”
With two more meets to go before returning to the UK next week, Hannah has had a busy few days and is laying strong foundations for what promises to be another standout year.
New Goals, Same Drive
Looking ahead, Cockroft is focused on defending her world titles at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi this September and is already laying the groundwork for a historic fifth Paralympic Games appearance at Los Angeles 2028.
“I still have things I want to achieve”, she said.
“I’d love to hold the Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles all at once, and I really believe I can be the first T34 woman to break 16 seconds in the 100m event. “
Empowering the Next Generation
Hannah’s passion for her sports extends well beyond competition. A champion for inclusion and accessibility, she regularly runs ‘come and try’ days for aspiring athletes, holds coaching qualifications, and uses her platform to advocate for better visibility and resources for para-sport.
“When I was growing up, it was so hard to even find out how to get involved in para-sport,” she explained.
“That’s why I try to give back, to make it easier for the next generation to discover what’s possible.
“Of course, we’re still lagging behind in many areas, from sponsorship and funding to spectator sport outside of Paralympic years, but I think opportunity has grown and that’s the most important place to start, as more champions coming through will hopefully then bring the rest with it.”
From the training track to the world’s biggest stage, having the right kit is crucial, and Hannah knows how vital those details are.
“In wheelchair racing, we put so much effort into aerodynamics and speed, so I like my kit to be close fitting, comfortable and doesn’t distract me at the start of a race.”
Standing Together for a More Inclusive Future
As Kukri continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive sport, the partnership with Hannah marks another significant step forward in championing para-athletes.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Hannah to the Kukri family,” said Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.
“She’s not only one of Britain’s most successful athletes, but also a passionate advocate for inclusion and the growth of para-sport. Her values align perfectly with ours, and we’re excited to support her journey and work with her to achieve her mission.”
With shared values of performance, representation and opportunity at every level of sport, the partnership between Kukri Sports and Hannah Cockroft is set to empower the next generation of athletes, on and off the track.
As preparations begin for this year’s World Para Athletics Championships and beyond, Kukri is proud to stand alongside Hannah in her pursuit of even more excellence and in shaping a more inclusive future for sport.
Kukri Sports supports ’26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge in Support of Cancer Fund for Children
Ireland
Kukri Sports is proud to announce its support for the ’26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge, a powerful initiative aiming to raise over £1 million for Cancer Fund for Children – ensuring that no child in Ireland faces cancer alone.
A gruelling journey with a powerful purpose
The gruelling nine-day challenge, developed by Roger Johnston, will see a team of 26 business leaders from Ireland and the USA, including former Ulster Rugby player Declan Fitzpatrick, climb the highest point in every county across Ireland.
Starting with Errigal in Donegal on Saturday 7 June, the group will journey through Ulster, Connacht, Leinster and Munster, before finishing at Mweelrea in Mayo on Saturday 15 June.
Kukri’s support
As part of its ongoing commitment to support meaningful causes, Kukri is providing bespoke, high-performance training-wear including t-shirts and jackets to support the participants.
“I am truly excited and thankful for the partnership between our 26 Mountains to Mayo team and Kukri,” said challenge founder Roger Johnston.
“The t-shirts and jackets have really added to the shared identity of our team of 25 business leaders who are taking part in the challenge, and we will wear them proudly during our training and during the challenge.
“One of my key aims when setting up this challenge was to mobilise business across Northern Ireland to get behind the Cancer Fund for Children and their critical mission to ensure that no child in Ireland needs to go through the disease alone.
“Kukri have truly stepped up to this call, and for that we are very thankful.”
Neil Patterson, Kukri Sports Country Manager for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, expressed his pride in supporting such a vital mission.
“At Kukri, we believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
“We’re honoured to support this challenge with high-performance kit that reflects the team’s commitment and determination.
“This isn’t just a physical challenge – it’s a powerful statement of solidarity with children and families facing cancer. We’re proud to stand with Roger and his incredible team in support of this vital cause.”
Participants have already begun rigorous training for what promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.
A challenge that resonates with many
Wayne Pollock, one of the volunteers shared:
“The challenge to me is very personal. I lost my mum to breast cancer when I was 21 years of age.
“Having my own child after that, we have been involved with Cancer Fund for Children for some time now,” he said.
“It’s an outstanding challenge with an amazing team and support around us. It’s really extreme, but we’re determined to raise an incredible amount to make sure that no kid in Ireland has to face cancer alone.”
Fellow volunteer, Graeme Neil, added:
“Being involved in the challenge is probably one of the most important things I have done in my life.
“It’s very humbling and gratifying to know that we’re helping children not to face cancer alone and also help provide support to their families.
“Like everybody else, I’m really excited and nervous, but the motivation for me and the group will be the difference we can hopefully make to people’s lives.”
How you can support
The ‘26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge is more than just a physical feat – it’s a movement to ensure that no child in Ireland has to face cancer alone. Every step the team takes is in support of children and families who urgently need help and hope.
Join Kukri and the 26M2M team in making a real difference – every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to the £1 million goal. CLICK HERE to donate.
Kukri Sports Partner Athletes Speak Out on Mental Health
World News
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri Sports is proud to share powerful reflections from its partner athletes on the importance of mental well-being in sport.
From Olympians to grassroots leaders, these athletes open up about recovery, resilience and the reality of life beyond the pitch.
Piper Logan – UBC Women’s Rugby captain (Vancouver, North America)
Paris Olympic silver medallist Piper Logan, captain of Canada’s Women’s 7s team, is currently navigating the challenges of a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Vancouver 7s.
“I felt like I was constantly falling behind while others kept improving. But over time, I learned to celebrate the little wins and remind myself that growth isn’t always visible.
“I found comfort in focusing on the things I could control like nutrition, habits and reconnecting with the life outside of sport. That helped me feel like myself again.”
Cork Constitution RFC, Men’s First Team (Ireland)
One anonymous first-team player reflects on the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with playing at a high level.
“Mental health and rugby go hand in hand. Playing helps my well-being through the physical benefits and the social aspect.
“I try to deal with stress by being organised during the week, accepting that not every match goes your way and always having time to relax with the lads.”
Somerset CCC – Jack Leach, Charlie Dean & Alfie Ogborne
Mental health is a growing focus in cricket, a sport known for its long seasons, psychological demands and intense competition.
England internationals Jack Leach and Charlie Dean, as well as Alfie Ogborne reflect on how mindset, team culture and togetherness plays crucial roles in performance and personal well-being.
Alfie said, “You will always see players who are less talented than others do better, and that’s because of their mental approach and preparation.”
Charlie said, “There is always going to be performance pressure, but these days it’s great to see that we are more open about it as that’s how it should be.”
Jack said, “As teammates, we’re always looking out for each other. We have to remember that people go through different things and be there to support them.”
British Rowing – Matt Aldridge & Josh O’Brien
Olympic bronze medallist Matt Aldridge and Paralympic champion Josh O’Brien open up about how team support have shaped their mental resilience.
“The attitude towards mental health has changed quite drastically over the past few years. People are starting to talk about it more openly now, which is really good”, Matt said.
“Any high-pressure environment like rowing, you’re going to have bad days, and if you can share that with different people to pick you up, then that is brilliant.”
Josh added, “Before the Paralympics in Paris, I had a bad back injury. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without my teammates and coaches supporting me through it.”
Sion Bennett – Valley RFC (Asia)
Former Wales U20 and Sevens player Sion Bennett now captains Valley RFC in Hong Kong and leads conversations around mental health.
“Having gone through struggles in sport and life, I’ve seen the impact of community, resilience and simply moving your body,” he says.
After relocating from Wales, Sion leaned on sport to navigate change:
“Being part of a club like Valley helped me build a new support network. Moving overseas taught me more about who I am and helped build self-belief.”
“I strongly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share. You can’t force people to talk about their feelings, but you can make effort with them to talk about their life, their work, have a joke, even if that is a simple hand shake before training, and so when the moment arises that they need someone to talk to they feel like they have built bonds and there’s an environment that they feel like they can share.
As a brand committed to supporting athletes at every level of the game, Kukri stands with these athletes in challenging the stigma and calling for environments where honesty is strength and well-being is a priority.
If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.
AKS LYTHAM: A YEAR OF SPORTING EXCELLENCE CAPPED BY LANCASHIRE CUP GLORY
United Kingdom
As a proud partner and the official sportswear supplier of AKS Lytham, Kukri has been privileged to support a year of exceptional sporting success – one that reflects the school’s deep-rooted commitment to both participation and performance across all age groups.
In an academic year that saw the school’s first XV rugby team lift the Lancashire Cup for the first time in their history, it has been a season of outstanding achievements across multiple sports.
“This is a huge achievement,” said first XV rugby captain Toby Curran. “It’s the result of years of dedication from players, coaches and parents.
“The real challenge was regaining our focus after a tough start to the season. The squad responded brilliantly, and our comeback win against Lancaster Grammar School in the Lancashire Cup quarter-final really showed our resilience and determination to overcome setbacks.”
The historic cup win, secured in front of a crowd of 1,300 supporters, was a defining moment for the rugby programme and Curran personally.
“I couldn’t be prouder to have captained this team and represented the school in such a special occasion.
“It’s a moment I’ll always cherish, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the parents, teachers and mentors who have supported me throughout my rugby journey at school.”
AKS Director of Sport Richard Chadwick added, “It was a fantastic occasion that celebrated everything good about the school – with the team representing the school so proudly.”
“Everyone was involved, from the ball boys to the photography club. That level of support reflects the strength of our community.”
Broadening the Winning Legacy
While the cup was the standout moment, AKS’s wider sporting story this year has been just as impressive.
In rugby, the school proudly celebrated a player’s selection for the North England U18 squad, which is a clear marker of the high-performance environment being cultivated.
Hockey continues to thrive at the school, with the U13 A & B teams crowned Lancashire Cup champions and the U11s claiming the In2 Hockey County title.
The U13s also secured a third-place finish in the North West In2 Hockey finals.
Girls’ cricket made headlines too, as the U13 squad reached the Lancashire Cup finals day, while the schools’ ongoing investment in girls’ sport was highlighted by the Jean Torrance U12 Festival of Hockey, which saw more than 150 girls from across the region take part.
Across other sports, the U11 football team were crowned Lancashire Small Schools Primary County champions, and the year 8/9 girls cross country squad dominated at the Wyre & Fylde Championships to claim first place – further evidence of AKS’s sporting depth and diversity.
Building a Culture of Inclusion
At AKS Lytham, the philosophy is simple: every student should have access to quality sport, whether they dream of representing their country or simply want to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.
“Our ambition is to provide pathways for everyone – from participation to elite performance,” said Chadwick.
“That’s why we run a Sports Scholars programme, offer overseas tours and open our doors to the wider community.”
That community-first mindset has seen the school evolve into a regional sports hub. Its facilities are used throughout the year for training, camps, and competitions—creating a space where sporting talent across the Fylde Coast can thrive.
And with international tours to Argentina and Uruguay planned this summer, AKS students will continue to gain unforgettable experiences that go beyond the local leagues and county titles.
Proud to Support Their Journey
At Kukri, we believe in the power of sport to inspire identity, discipline and a sense of belonging. That’s why we’re proud to partner with AKS Lytham and help their athletes perform at their best through high-quality, customised sportswear.
From the grassroots to national honours, AKS is building something special. And while trophies like the Lancashire Cup are cherished, it’s the shared values—teamwork, resilience, and pride that truly define the school’s sporting success.
With women’s participation in lawn bowls rising across Canada, the sport is undergoing a powerful shift – one defined by equity, visibility and international success.
At the heart of this momentum is Kukri Sports, who for over a decade has proudly stood as the official sportswear partner of Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
This partnership has helped to shape a confident, unified image for Canada’s national athletes and also champion the growth of the sport.
A Sport Gaining Momentum
Over recent years, Bowls Canada has seen an encouraging trend of more women participating, entering coaching and officiating pathways, as well as earning recognition on the international stage.
“At Bowls Canada, we believe that advancing gender equity strengthens the entire sport,” said Britany Gordon, CEO at Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
“We are proud of the strides of our female athletes, coaches and leaders are making nationally and internationally.
“With partners like Kukri helping us elevate the profile of our athletes, we are excited for the future of women’s lawn bowls in Canada – one where every woman sees a place for herself, both on and off the green.”
Global Success
The visibility of the sport has been backed by results, with Canadian women making headlines globally.
– Kelly McKerihen earned silver in women’s singles at the 2023 World Bowls Championships, tying Canada’s all-time best finish in the event.
– Canada’s women’s triples team took home bronze at the same event—the country’s strongest team finish in over a decade.
– McKerihen and Emma Boyd went on to win the women’s pairs title at the 2023 Hong Kong International Bowls Classic, a globally prestigious competition.
These podium performances are part of a larger trend: in the last two World Bowls cycles (2016-2023), Canada’s women have won nearly half (5 out of 12) of the nation’s international medals.
In 2024, Louise McLean made history by capturing Canada’s first international para bowls medal, with a podium finish in Women’s singles at the IBD World Championships.
Kukri Sports: More Than a Uniform
Kukri’s decade-long partnership has provided more than just apparel – it’s created a bold and professional identity for Team Canada that reflects the talent and ambition of its athletes.
The visibility and pride that comes from stepping onto the green in Kukri’s custom kit sends a message that Canadian bowlers belong on the world stage.
“Our partnership with Kukri Sports has played an important role in building a strong, professional image for our athletes,” said Britany Gordon.
“Having world-class apparel helps us present a unified, confident Team Canada, which in turn strengthens the visibility and recognition of our women’s teams.
“As we work to grow the sport, the visibility provided by strong branding is a valuable asset in inspiring future female bowlers.”
Jamie Williams, Vice President at Kukri Sports North America, added, “We are incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Bowls Canada.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen remarkable growth in the sport, especially among women athletes. We are fully committed to empowering athletes by providing high-quality apparel to help them perform at their peak.
“We look forward to continuing our support and elevating the success of Canada’s women’s lawn bowlers on the world stage for years to come.”
Equity on and off the Green
Bowls Canada has made gender equity a core part of its mission. Women and men now compete in equal numbers at national championships, supported by inclusive event formats.
Nearly half of the Board of Directors and 45% of certified umpires are women, reflecting strong female leadership across the sport that continues to grow.
From youth to senior levels, Canadian women continue to thrive and are proving that with the right support, access to high-quality sportswear and visibility, success follows.
A Shared Vision for the Road Ahead
Together, Bowls Canada and Kukri Sports are not just outfitting athletes—they’re helping lead a movement. A movement that welcomes women, celebrates success, and inspires the next generation to step up, compete, and lead on and off the green.
We are proud to support Bowls Canada as they continue to inspire through their commitment to equity, excellence and the success of women in lawn bowls.
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