Trophy or not, you’re all winners in our opinion
“Everyone’s a winner in our eyes.”
That was the message from Joy Yates, Editorial Director of Johnston Press North East, to all the shortlisted contenders in the Best of Wearside Awards.
No matter whether they collected trophies or not, they all deserved recognition for their amazing work in their communities, said Joy.
She added: “I know how difficult it was for the judges to choose the winners. Everyone is a winner in our eyes.”
She said on the night: “This is a real highlight in the Sunderland Echo calendar, and we are very grateful to everyone who is here this evening.”
Special thanks went to the sponsors – Gentoo; Station Taxis; Calsonic Kan- sei; Vantec; TWR Bifold Doors; Sunderland Live; K&L Groundworks; Creo; JB Skills Training; and Sunderland City Council Fostering and Adoption Service – who helped to make the event happen through their backing.
Joy told them: “It really would not be possible to put ontheseawardswithoutthe generous support and sponsorship of the sponsors.”
Itwasanightwhenwe were joined by three footballing legends – Sunderland heroes Jimmy Montgomery, Gary Bennett and Kevin Ball.
Every one of them got a huge round of applause when they were introduced to an adoring crowd.
Fans posed for pictures with their heroes who, in true legend style, took time to talk to everyone.
Special thanks also went to Matt Bailey from Capital FM who was the compere for the evening.
And there was a special feature on the night, when guests were treated to a display of Sunderland shirts down the years which was provided by Michael Ganley, who has worked to create a thriving community project under the name of The Fans Museum, featuring Black Cats memorabilia.
“I know how difficult it was to choose the winners” JOY YATES