Wylie’s the prize guy at awards
THE North East Disability Sport Awards, celebrating the continuing success of disability sport in the region, were staged at Slaley Hall in Nothumberland.
The 14th annual event recognised the incredible achievements of a wide range of clubs, coaches, schools and athletes across the North East.
More than 200 guests attending the night, including the 100 nominees attending for the 10 awards on offer.
Sunderland-born swimmer and British, European and Olympic champion Matt Wylie won the Male Personality Award.
The Young Female Achiever Award went to swimmer Ellen Stephenson from Newcastle, who at 12 is the 100m individual medley champion and junior world record holder for the 50m freestyle.
Coach of the Year went to Gateshead-based Ros Miller.
She has coached not only the athletes at her club but also her son Stephen to a bronze medal at the Rio Paralympics last summer.
Participant of the Year was Richard Young from Gateshead, who has battled three rounds of heart surgery to win gold and silver at the Special Olympics as well as two golds in cycling.
Gateshead-based club Angling 4 All won Outstanding Club/ Group Award for demonstrating how the club uses sport to promote inclusion and supporting individual development.
David Marrin, assistant director at Tyne and Wear Sport, said: “It was great to see so many individuals and clubs within our region being nominated and recognised at the awards.
“It shows the level of participation in disability sport is not only increasing but getting more and more publicity - and it proved we have incredibly talented athletes locally.”