Celebration of sports success at district awards

More than 200 people joined together to celebrate the district’s outstanding sporting success at the Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards.

The eighth annual event, which was held on 12 July at The Bank House Hotel in Bransford, recognised the area’s best sports men and women, as well as the commitment of the volunteers and coaches who support athletes and clubs across the district.

Run by Malvern Hills District Council in association with headline sponsor Freedom Leisure, awards were handed out in 13 different categories including ‘Positive Change of the Year’ and ‘Sports School of the Year’.

A new Judges’ Choice award was also given out celebrating an individual, project, team or club that has made a significant sporting achievement and/or demonstrated outstanding commitment to sport over the past 12 months.

The awards were announced by compere, Andrew Easton, Radio Presenter for BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Gymnasts from City of Worcester and Malvern Gymnastics Club put on a spectacular opening show and Amanda Smith, Community Services Manager at Malvern Hills District Council, spoke of the council’s sporting success and projects over the last 12 months.

The keynote speaker was ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley, the first and only blind man to complete seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, who spoke of his life and the many extreme marathon challenges he took part in over the years.

The audience also heard from Rebecca Foster MBE, senior lecturer in adapted PE at the University of Worcester and who gave a motivational speech about following your dreams.

 Cllr David Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The sports awards were a spectacular success and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of some of the district’s most talented sports-people, coaches and volunteers.

“It is so important to recognise this hard work as sport is so beneficial to both physical and mental well-being. By shining a light on these inspiring stories, hopefully it will have a positive impact on the community and will inspire others to become more active too.

“Thank-you to our sponsor Freedom Leisure and to everyone who came to show their support on the night.”

 

 The full list of winners:

 

  • Young Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by YMCA Worcestershire)

Sian Cousins - Welland Primary School

 

  • Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Melton Support Services)

Tom Bennett - Worcester Wolves Basketball Club

 

  • Team of the Year (sponsored by: Automated Packaging Systems)

Motion Masters Ignite Pom Dance Team

 

  • Coach of the Year (sponsored by Fortis Living)

Danielle Miles-Ranger - Leigh and Bransford Badgers Football Club

 

  • Inclusive Project of the Year (sponsored by Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership)

Malvern RFC Mixed Ability

 

  • Community Project of the Year (sponsored by Audley Ellerslie)

The Malvern Hoops Campaign

 

  • Club of the Year (sponsored by HPR Services Ltd)

Women on Wheels

 

  • Sports School of the Year (sponsored by Three Counties Showground)

Northleigh Primary School

 

  • Positive Change of the Year (sponsored by Reach plc)

Sophie Barnes - Rookie to Runner

 

  • Young Male Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Westbridge Foods Ltd)

Joseph Witt - Malvern Gymnastics Club

 

  • Young Female Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Malvern Panalytical Limited)

Lottie Trevethan - Leweston Pentathlon Academy

 

  • Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire)

Harriet Harnden - Malvern Cycle Sport

 

  • Unsung Hero of the Year (sponsored by Freedom Leisure)

Grant Matthews - Hanley and Upton Cricket Club

 

  • Judges’ Choice of the Year (sponsored by Malvern Hills District Council)

Evie Richards - British Cycling

Sarah Dawes