Athletics
Local stars are rewarded

A SPECIAL Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards, organised by the district council and sponsored by Rybrook MINI Stratford, Everyone Active and NFU Mutual, was attended by 250 guests.

The Celebration of Sport, hosted by the Stratford Manor Hotel, celebrated the sporting achievements of clubs and individuals across the district and recognised wonderful contributions made from volunteers and parents.

The event, in its 11th year, paid tribute to the Olympic and Paralympic Games held last summer.

Stratford’s Paralympic Gold medallist James Roe was a special guest along with Olympic 1992 canoeist Paul Brain and Paralympic double medallist Mark Butler.

The event also recognised the hard work from the dedicated Gamesmakers who were invited to celebrate the evening alongside the local sporting heroes.

The youngest ever winner of an award at the event was 12-year-old Isobel Roberts, a young archer from Fenny Compton who triumphed in the Junior Sports Person category.

Isobel is currently part of British Archery’s talent programme of young athletes looking towards future success.

Martyn Brookhouse and Maverick Sports were recognised for their specialised work with children and young people with learning disabilities, providing organised sporting opportunities and fun activities each week, in being awarded the NFU Community Sports Award sponsored by NFU Mutual.

Volunteer of the year award went to Tom Heenan from Stratford Cycling Club.

Tom was recognised for the huge amount of work he has put into the club in developing their junior section and the Go-ride programme with schools and supported by British Cycling, encouraging young people to ride in a safe and secure environment, learning the necessary skills, before taking themselves onto the roads.

Stratford Athletic Club landed a hat-trick of awards with Andrew Pozzi once again winning the Senior Sports Person category after being recognised for his achievements in being selected for GB at the London Olympics.

Paul Bearman, Pozzi’s former coach, won the Coach of the Year award and the club’s Triathlon Team won Senior team of the Year after a batch of successful results at last year European Championships.

Other award winners were: Junior Team - Stratford-upon-Avon School Girls Football team; Alternative Sport Award - Nicole Brain (canoe polo); and Service to Sport Award - Mat Pickering, Stratford Boxing Club.

Councillor Lynda Organ, technical services portfolio, said: “It is wonderful not only to see such a great depth of sporting talent within our district but also to recognise the large amount of work done by volunteers and coaches in making our sports clubs and schools so successful.”

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