A ‘sporting star’ has reached the second round of a competition to find an unsung hero.

Former junior team GB wheelchair basketball player Conrad Tokarczyk joined the Everyone Active team at Harrow Leisure Centre as an apprentice in 2013, where he gained his Level 2 Instructor and Level 3 Disability Instructor qualification.

Since then he has helped the centre achieve the Inclusive Fitness Initiative mark for its work to encourage wheelchair users and physically impaired users to participate in sport.

The 26-year-old, who is also currently teaching Boccia to young people at the leisure centre, has now been nominated by clients and colleagues for the Spirit of Flame Unsung Hero Award.

The award, which will be presented as part of the ukactive and Matrix Flame awards, celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to help get more people become active.

Conrad Tokarczyk said: “It’s a huge honor to be recognised for something I am so passionate about and I never expected to make the next stage.

“I want to thank my colleagues for nominating me - I suspect that I will have some stiff competition, but I hope the public will get behind me and vote.”

The ukactive & Matrix Flame Awards 2014 are one of the most highly coveted awards in the health and fitness sector, celebrating the achievements of operators, suppliers and individuals alike.

Everyone Active centre manager John Sewell said: “Conrad is an inspiration for all disabled users – he’s an example of what you can achieve with commitment and hard work, his drive and determination is contagious.”

“Conrad has an incredible ability to adjust seamlessly to work with clients of all ages and abilities and is passionate about helping others to realise their potential. He goes out of his way to help and encourage our members to achieve things they never thought possible.

"We are extremely proud of him and delighted that he is being acknowledged by the industry for his work.”

Along with training for the world disabled strong man competition, Mr Tokarczyk also campaigns for improved access on London’s Tube network and has attended a forum with Disability Rights UK regarding training and employment.

The public vote is now live and will run until Friday April 24.

To vote for Conrad visit: www.ukactive.com/events/forthcoming-events/flame-awards-2015/vote-for-your-spirit-of-flame.