Bury’s sporting heroes celebrate on awards night

Clubs, coaches, volunteers and competitors were honoured for their achievements over the last year at the annual Bury Sports Awards.

And they were certainly in impressive company - guest speaker was Martin Stamper, who shared his inspiring story and journey to London 2012 competing for Team GB in Taekwondo.

The event was organised by Bury Sport and Physical Activity Service in partnership with Bury Sports Forums, and took place at Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The awards were presented by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor Sharon Briggs and Mrs Shirley Rabbitt. Master of Ceremonies was Dr Nick Ibberson, and official photographers were Andy Walmsley from Pitchside Pictures and Andy Chilton.

The winners in each category were:

* Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award – Christopher Beck

* Geoff Preston Primary School Special Recognition Award - St Mary’s CE Primary School

* Gerald Barrett Secondary School of the Year - The Derby High School

* Doug Rawes Young Leader Award - Courtney Hodgson

* Sports Achiever of the Year - Sam Ernst

* Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year - Matthew Topping

* Joe Moon Prestwich Special Recognition Award - Daniel Bird

* Ronnie Morris Radcliffe Special Recognition Award - Nicole Short

* Volunteer of the Year - Darren Lindsay

* Coach of the Year - Rick Lee

* Club of the Year - Bury Cricket Club

* Unsung Hero in Sport - Antony Lawson

The winners of Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports Achiever of the Year, Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Hero categories will now go on to represent Bury at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards on 8 November at The Point, Lancashire Cricket Ground.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This year’s nominations were outstanding, and they thoroughly deserved this recognition for their positive contributions to sport and the community within Bury.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors for their generosity which has enabled us to formally recognise these local people for their sporting achievements.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 September 2013.

Picture attached: Antony Lawson receives his award for Unsung Hero of the Year from the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sharon Briggs.