Paralympic champion to take centre stage at national awards ceremony
A Paralympic champion will take centre stage at a national awards ceremony.
Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, a gold medallist in judo at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards.
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The event will be held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in January.
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Mr Skelley, who was ranked world number one in his sport and most recently claimed bronze at Paris 2024, retired from competitive visually impaired judo earlier this year.
He now works as a motivational speaker, judo instructor, and advocate for disability awareness.
Becky Wall BEM, chief executive of the Loo of the Year Awards, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chris Hunt Skelley MBE as the keynote speaker at the Loo of the Year Awards this January.
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"Having Chris join us is not only an incredible honour, but a powerful opportunity to amplify the message at the very heart of our work: that accessibility matters for everyone.
"Chris represents the ability to rise above challenges and push for a more inclusive world.
"His journey reminds us that the right support, opportunities, and accessible environments can make all the difference, not just in sport, but in everyday life."
Now in its 38th year, the Loo of the Year Awards celebrates excellence in public and commercial washroom provision.
Entrants—from hotels and pubs to shopping centres and offices—agree to unannounced inspections that assess facilities against 101 criteria, including cleanliness, accessibility, décor, signage, and customer care.
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Mr Skelley will share his personal story at the event, highlighting the vital role accessible washrooms play for people with disabilities.
"It's a huge honour to speak at the Loo of the Year Awards," he said.
"It means a lot to share my story."
Ms Wall said Mr Skelley's involvement will bring a "powerful" message to the awards.
She said: "We believe Chris will do more than inspire our audience, he will empower them.
"His presence will encourage everyone in the room to think differently, to act boldly, and to consider how their spaces and services can become more inclusive."
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Inspections for the awards will take place throughout the summer, with entries closing on July 31.
Nominees are graded from 'diamond' down to 'bronze,' with the top facilities honoured at the annual ceremony.
Nominations for the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards are now open.
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