Awards night for our sports heroes
SEFTON’S sporting heroes were honoured once again at a glittering ceremony in Southport.
The 2019 Sefton Sports Awards, organised by Active Sefton, took place at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
The awards celebrate volunteers, coaches, teams or individuals from around the borough who have been successful or shown great tenacity in their sport.
Hundreds of nominations were whittled down to 51 shortlisted hopefuls hoping to walk away with one of the trophies.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “It is down to these people, clubs, teams and schools that grassroots sport has a place in Sefton and our young people are inspired and supported when following their sporting ambitions.
“Congratulations to all of our worthy winners and thank you for your commitment to sport in Sefton.”
A standout moment of the awards was the speech by the guest speaker, former Royal Marine Andy Grant, telling how he fought back from adversity and became the worlds fastest single leg amputee.
Many listeners were moved to tears and the speech was met with a standing ovation.
James Connell from Southport parkrun was thrilled to win Disabled Sports Personality of the Year.
Every Saturday morning at 9am walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities meet for the 5k run at Hesketh Park, which is organised by volunteers.
James was nominated by Dr Simon Tobin, one of its organisers, for his dedication to promoting
the benefits of physical exercise over medication.
James is visually impaired but is very active not only in the parkrun, but also rock climbing, walking and taking part in a triathlon in Southport. He is always motivating and encouraging others.
After receiving his award he said: “It was a surprise. I was up against Rainbow, the blind England football player, and I would have been quite happy to come second to him.
“It was a real shock and an honour.”
Keith Lunt, of Southport Waterloo Athletics Club and run director at Southport parkrun, won Volunteer of the Year.
The club’s honorary general secretary, Christopher Henders, said: “It was very well deserved and it is also great to see someone at our club getting the recognition that they and the club deserve for all the voluntary time and commitment that my team show.”
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Birkdale was named Primary School of the Year, an award given to a school which has demonstrated extra commitment to sport within the last 12 months through the development of new initiatives or programmes which go above and beyond the usual activity.
Sam Gallagher, the school’s PE subject leader, said: “It is an amazing honour to receive this prestigious award.
“It is fantastic to receive the recognition that the school deserves for going above and beyond for the pupils.
“It would not have been possible to receive the reward without two things: the dedication and hard work put in by all staff to create a holistic approach to PE school sport and the children’s enthusiastic approach to sport.”
And head teacher Maureen Hillsdon said: “I am so proud of all the staff and pupils for this wonderful achievement.”
It was also a big night for West Lancashire Yacht Club in Southport, which this year is celebrating 125 years of sailing.
Three of the club members were nominated for awards.
At the Awards Dinner at the Floral Hall, all three were successful in their respective categories, with two scooping major prizes.
The awards were:
Tim Harper – Sefton Sports Personality of the Year.
Mike Dorr – Sefton Coach of the Year.
Rob Pickering – runner-up Sefton Volunteer of the Year.
Mike organises and oversees training for juniors and adults, as well as sailing sessions for disadvantaged people. Tim has represented the club on numerous sailing circuits and is a World Champion in Flying Fifteens, along with his helm, Steve Goatcher.
He concurrently held Flying Fifteen National Champion, European Champion and World Champion.
Rob has a very big hand in the running of WLYC and is always keen to help out, especially with the Offshore side, recently helping sail ZigZag back from Fort William to Liverpool after the three Peaks Yacht Race.