Stockport’s elite athletes, clubs, volunteers and community champions were recognised for their hard work and dedication to sport at the annual Stockport Sports Awards.
Winners of the eight awards were announced at Houldsworth Golf Club by host Chelsea Norris from BBC Radio Manchester and presented by special guests at a dinner attended by athletes, their families, supporters and members of Life Leisure and Stockport Council.
Guests were treated to a presentation from Rachel Smith, who hit the headlines when she rowed across the Atlantic Ocean and set a new Guinness World Record.
In addition, Rachel has represented Great Britain at 10 World and European Dragon Boat Racing Championships where she has won 25 medals.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation for up-and-coming lacrosse star William Shirt, who was named the Fred Perry Sports Personality of the Year.
Over the past 12 months William captained the victorious England under-19 lacrosse team in the European Under-20s Championships, and at 17 he is one of the youngest players to play in the first team for his club Cheadle, with the team winning the NEMLA Premier League.
A diverse range of sports were represented from football and swimming to figure skating, basketball and volleyball.
A huge proportion of the nominees present had represented not only their team and town, but their county and country – competing at an international level in their chosen sport.
The other award winners were:
- Club of the Year – Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club
- Volunteer of the Year – Lee Price (Marple Athletic Junior Football Club)
- The Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award (sponsored by Stockport Council) – Denise Cowgill
- Sir Stanley Matthews Unsung Hero Award – Roger Boyer (Stockport Metro Swimming Club)
- Workforce Advocate of the Year – Jan Sinclair (Stockport NHS Foundation Trust)
- Initiative of the Year – The Cherry Tree Project
- School Commitment to PE and Sport Award – Rose Hill Primary School
Seb Rowe, Assistant Head of Operations for Life Leisure said: “It is important that local athletes are recognised for their fantastic achievements in sport and the annual sports dinner is an ideal event to do this.
“This year it has been wonderful to recognise those within the local community who have been endorsing physical activity to encourage others to become active, helping us to continue to promote the benefits of sport in addition to encouraging both a grassroots and world class mentality in Stockport.
“We would like to say a special word of thanks to our sponsors and all at Houldsworth Golf Club for a fantastic evening.”
Winners from the Stockport Sports Awards will be put forward and represent Stockport at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards being held at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford on Friday, November 15.
