Jeff could be crowned the winner

Jeff Hart, managing director at Freedom Leisure, who run the Six Villages Sports Centre, has been shortlisted for the outstanding contribution award in the Sussex Sports 
Awards 2012.

Mr Hart said: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted for the outstanding contribution award alongside Dr Nick Webborn and Freda Bussey. They are both renowned locally for their contribution to sport so I suspect 
I have stiff competition for the award.”

Mr Hart has dedicated 35 years to the fitness and leisure industry, with much of this time spent in Sussex, where he was born and educated.

In 2002, Jeff was instrumental in forming the Freedom Leisure not-for-profit group from the Wealden leisure services.

Under Jeff’s stewardship, Freedom Leisure has grown from operating four leisure centres to 27. The business has seen its income rise from a £4m to £40m operation and it now employs 2,500 local people.

Mr Hart’s dedication to delivering community sport, health and leisure in Sussex has helped bring schools, clubs, councils and governing bodies together. He will find out if he has won on November 23.