2026 TOWA Awards
At the Tug of War Association AGM held recently, Awards of Merit were announced and presented to the recipients. Those people receiving awards were Mike Hutchison and Alan Knott. The Award of Merit is the highest honour of the Tug of War Association and is only awarded for long and distinguished service to tug of war. In addition, the TOWA presented one of its newer awards – an “outstanding achievement” award to be presented to people who had made an outstanding contribution to the sport over the previous 12 months. This years recipients were Tim Lee and Lincoln TOWC. You can read more about the nominations for these awards below.
Mike Hutchison
Nomination made by Oxney Vines Cross TOWC and TOWA Area 6.
Mike first became involved in tug of war in the 1970’s with Three Cups Tug of War Club in Sussex. When the club disbanded Mikle was invited to join Oxney by their coach Doug Reed.
Mike was part of a very successful era with Oxney, winning several national, European and World titles throughout the 1980’s. Mike continued his pulling career into the 2000s, winning a gold medal at 560kg in the open club competition at the 2002 World Championships in South Africa.
Mike then went on to coach Oxney for a few seasons, and has served as their club secretary for a number of years.
In addition to Mike’s duties as a puller, coach and club secretary, Mike has also served on the TOWA General Committee for a number of years as a representative for TOWA Area 6, contributing much to the running of the TOWA in addition to being a valued volunteer at World and European Championships organised by the TOWA, including the 2025 World Championships in Nottingham.
Mike has stepped down from the TOWA General Committee this year, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for his service to the Association during his time on the committee.
Alan Knott
Nominated by Bosley Tug of War Club
Alan began tug of war in 1998 at just 14 years old, following in his father’s footsteps. Competing outdoors for Bosley and indoors for Kilroe, he quickly developed a deep enthusiasm not only for pulling but also for championing and promoting the sport at every opportunity.
Long before social media and smartphones, Alan was an early advocate for using digital platforms to promote tug of war.
He wrote articles, took photographs, and submitted reports to local and national press. As the internet developed, he created and maintained one of the first online club pages, helping bring both Bosley and the wider sport to a global audience.
The TOWA invited Alan to become its Press Officer in 2004. He accepted the role and soon after established the Association’s first website.
For over 21 years, Alan has managed, updated, and overseen the TOWA website, reported from major competitions, including the World Games, co-ordinated national media coverage and supported clubs across the country through press releases and online promotion
His reporting has often meant juggling photography, interviews, and updates - all while competing himself.
Despite his demanding press responsibilities, Alan has never missed a season of competition. His achievements include Eearning medals across local, national, UK, and world competitions.
Since 2011, Alan has served as Area 10 representative on the TOWA General Committee (and prior to moving, was an Area 2 Representative), while also helping organise national and international championships including the 2007, 2011 and 2017 European Championships and more recently the 2025 World Championships in Nottingham.
At club level, Alan serves as puller and club secretary, safeguarding officer. During difficult periods for the club, Alan played a vital part in rebuilding and inspiring a new generation of pullers who have gone on to achieve international success.
At 41 years old, Alan has devoted 27 years to the sport so far - 21 of them as TOWA Press Officer.
Tim Lee and Lincoln TOWC
Nominated by Claire Thwaites and Georgie Read
Lincoln TOWC and Tim Lee were nominated for the outstanding achievement award following their outstanding successes during 2025, most notably representing Great Britain at the World Games in the 640kg and winning the gold medal. This was then followed by a very successful world championships in Nottingham where Lincoln TOWC won the open club competition at 640kg and 680kg, before representing England in the mens 640kg closed competition where the team won another gold medal to cap off an outstanding year.
Tim was singled out for his organisation of the team throughout the year and doing everything necessary to enable his team to concentrate on training and competing.
Congratulations to all!
