Awards return to honour inspiring people’s champs
INSPIRATIONAL people from across the borough have been recognised at this year’s Sports and Culture Awards.
Run by Your Trust, the awards celebrated unsung heroes and inspirational community groups at the ceremony which made a triumphant return.
The achievements of amazing people, clubs and organisations working in sport and culture across the borough of Rochdale over the last 12 months were highlighted at the awards.
The winners included Caldershaw Primary School, the Darnhill Festival, Roach Dynamos and Alkrington Tennis Club.
Andy King, chief executive at Your Trust, the independent charity behind the awards said “We’re really proud to have hosted this special event and are delighted that the awards have returned this year after a couple of years break due to the pandemic.
“It was a fantastic night celebrating the heroes of sport and culture across the borough.
“We know that sport and culture played a big part in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents throughout the pandemic and it’s important to recognise the contribution that local people, clubs and groups make to the community.
“Our congratulations go to all winners and shortlisted nominees.”
Rochdale’s very own star of stage and screen, Sue Devaney, hosted the prestigious event which was held at Heywood
Civic Centre with 200 people attending.
A total of 17 awards were presented on the night and the judges had the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category from the fantastic achievements of nominees over the past 12 months.
Councillor Susan Smith, Cabinet member for communities, culture and co-operatives at Rochdale Borough Council, said “The Sports and Culture Awards makes me extremely proud of the outstanding people that we have within Rochdale borough.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening recognising the outstanding achievement and incredible dedication of local people and honouring the community champions who do so much to support local residents.
“I’d like to congratulate all winners and nominees, and also say a big thank you to all those involved in making the Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards event possible.”
The winners were:
●●Artist of the Year: Parvez Qadir
●●Changing Lifestyles Recognition: Alan Phipps
●●Community and Education Project: Rochdale Schools Linking Project
●●Community Club of the Year: Alkrington Tennis Club
●●Cultural Champion: Rick Walker
●●Cultural Event of the Year: Darnhill Festival
●●Culture and Health Award: Creative Health and Wellbeing Art Group
●●Cultural Facilitator of the Year: Erica Matthews
●●Disability Physical
Activity Champion: Myron Szymanskyj
●●Initiative of the Year: Roach Dynamos
●●School Commitment to PE & Sports: Caldershaw Primary
●●School Commitment to Arts, Heritage and Culture: Harwood Park Primary
●●Unsung Hero: Martin Collinge
●●Workforce Advocate: Elaine Stott
●●Volunteer of the Year: Ste Connellan
●●Young Creative Award: Alina Akbar and Kiwi Shore (joint winners)
●●Young Sports Achiever of the Year: Blaine Bennett
If you know an inspirational individual, club, school or organisation, make sure that you nominate them for next year’s awards when the nominations open early in 2023.