Sport’s unsung heroes triumph at awards night
THE achievements of unsung sportsmen, women and young people were recognised at the Trafford Sports Awards.
The special ceremony at Hotel Football was attended by threetimes Olympic bronze-winning heptathlete Kelly Sotherton.
Athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools, sports clubs and unsung heroes, who dedicate their time to sport and physical activity in Trafford were chosen as champions by a panel of judges following a round of public nominations.
Winners were also awarded funding through the Trafford Active Fund – set up following the 2015 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon by Trafford Council in partnership with Xtra Mile Events, and overseen by Trafford Sport and Physical Activity Partnership.
The aim is to support the sporting careers of the borough’s most promising young athletes.
The fund receives £1 of the entry fee from each participant in the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and the Manchester Half Marathon.
Since its inauguration the fund has awarded over £7,000 to well deserving athletes and sports clubs throughout Trafford to help young people succeed in their chosen sport.
The Manchester Evening News has agreed to support the scheme by profiling some of those who are nominated for awards.
At the awards ceremony on Friday night, Xtra Mile Events announced that a further £40,000 of funding is now available for the consideration of grants, and will be awarded twice a year at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and the Manchester Half Marathon.
Applications can be submitted from October 16.
Announcing the further funding, Sarah Bennett, Race Director of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon said: “Xtra Mile Events are delighted to be involved with the Trafford Active Fund. It’s an initiative which reflects the values we have as an organisation which includes supporting the local community and the development of sport within it.”
Trafford Council Corporate Director Transformation and Resources, Joanne Hyde said: “These fantastic people make a huge difference to the lives of residents in Trafford every single day. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their achievements, while also offering them a fantastic opportunity, through the Trafford Active Fund, to realise their full sporting potential.
“Our support for clubs, coaches and volunteers at a grass roots level will also help to ensure that our residents are amongst the most active.”