Local sporting stars recognised at awards
STOCKPORT’S elite athletes, clubs and volunteers were rewarded for their hard work and dedication to sport at the Sport Stockport Annual Sports Awards, at Houldsworth Golf Club.
Among the guests at the event was GB Olympic Taekwondo athlete Lutalo Muhammad, who won a silver medal at Rio last month.
The big winners on the night included young basketball star Jessica Eadsforth-Yates who was named the Fred Perry Sports Personality of the Year.
Jessica represented England Basketball at the Under 18 European Championships (as an under 17 player) and won three national titles with her club over the last 12 months
Swimming star Oliver Crosby scooped the Young Achiever of the Year award. He had to undergo a rigorous rehabilitation programme after breaking his leg last year, and went on to win three gold medals at the National Championships.
Andy Small of Stockport Wheelchair Racing took home the Disabled Sports Achiever award, after winning bronze medals both in Rio and at the European Championships earlier this year.
Outstanding volunteers were also recognised, with Rachel Hancock of Vernon Park Gymnastics Club awarded the Volunteer of the Year award for her role as a coach with the club.
The Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award went to Louise Withers who prior to joining the PARiS scheme at Life Leisure, did little physical activity due to numerous health conditions.
Reddish North End Football Club scooped the Club of the Year award. An FA Charter Standard Community Club, Reddish North End have won 22 major league and cup competitions over the last 12 months and they now have over 60 qualified coaches volunteering on a weekly basis.
Derek Waterfield from Brabyns Tennis Club won The Sir Stanley Matthews Unsung Hero Award for his 35 years of service to the club
Coach of the Year meanwhile, was awarded to David Hulme from Stockport Table Tennis Academy.
John Hargreaves, chairman of Sport Stockport, 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.”