SPORTING achievement in play and on the sidelines was honoured at the 16th annual Stratford District Sports Awards.
The awards, organised by Stratford District Council in partnership with Touch FM, took place at Stratford ArtsHouse on Friday January 19.
The evening recognised the sporting achievements of clubs and individuals, and also the valuable contributions made by volunteers, parents and coaches.
In attendance were 300 guests including GB Paralympic athlete Sam Ruddock and GB Para-climber John Churcher.
It proved an excellent night for triathlon, athletics and wheelchair basketball, with eight awards being won by teams or individuals in those sports.
The Senior Sports Person Award was won by Corinne Moss of Do3 Triathlon Club following her stellar year of performances at national and international level. David Knight, the founder of Do3 won the Coach or PE Teacher Award.
The Junior Sports Person Award was presented to Jack Sumners of Stratford Athletic Club. In 2017, Jack won a 110m Hurdles silver medal for England at the Commonwealth Youth Games and multiple golds at national level.
There were joint winners of the Junior Para-sports Person Award, with the judges unable to separate Sophie Evans-Lee (Riding for the Disabled) and Ellan Fraser (Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club).
Bears Wheelchair Basketball Women’s Team were popular winners of the Senior Para-sports Award following their rapid rise to prominence.
Dan Gill of Bears Wheelchair Basketball Team won the Senior Para-sports Person Award after a year which included representing GB at the Invictus Games.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Anne Prior for her huge contribution to the creation and success of the Wellesbourne Sports & Community Centre.
Stratford Athletic Club Junior Track & Field Team’s top form in 2017 saw them were presented with the Junior Team of the Year Award, in what was a very competitive category. The same club’s Veterans Track & Field Team walked away with the Senior Team Award.
In the Press Correspondent Award category, Bryan Hale was rewarded for dedication to producing reports of Stratford FC’s home and away matches during 2017.
The prestigious Service to Sport award went to Simon Chester for his outstanding commitment to cricket in the district, especially at Great Alne Cricket Club. Simon has been a key figure at the club for almost 40 years both on and off the pitch and has raised a large amount of money for new facilities.
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk/sportsawards for more information on the awards.
Service to Sport – CEO of Quidem Radio Steve Orchard, winner Simon Chester, and John Churcher.
Volunteer – NFU Mutual corporate social responsibility consultant Beth Pritchard, winner Anne Prior, and Sam Ruddock.
Junior Team – Stratford AC Junior Track & Field Team.
Senior Team – Stratford AC Veterans Track & Field Team.
Senior Para-sports Team – Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club.
Senior Para-sports Person – Sam Ruddock, winner Dan Gill, and Stratford District Council technical services manager Tony Perks.
Junior Para-sports Person – joint winner Ellan Fraser (joint winner), Coun George Atkinson, joint winner Sophie Evans-Lee.
Senior Sports Person – Coun Chris Saint, winner Corinne Moss, and Sam Ruddock.
Junior Sports Person – winner Jack Sumners, KES director of sport Richard Mahoney, and John Churcher.
