And the winner is… Sporting heroes crowned at awards ceremony
Sporting champions and unsung heroes across South Derbyshire have been recognised for their stellar achievements.
The Active South Derbyshire Awards at The Pingle Academy in Swadlincote celebrated athletes, performers, volunteers, coaches, schools and clubs.
Swadlincote tennis player William Nolan aced the Sportsman of the Year accolade, with Church Gresley based motocross champion Skye Adams taking home the Sportswoman of the Year award.
William formed part of a four man team playing international tournaments in Florida whilst training with the United States Tennis Association. The 15-year-old currently practices with top professionals such as Andy Murray.
Skye, 17, has been riding since she was just two years old. In her 10 years of racing bikes, she has become the first female in history to win a major Dirt Track Riders' Association title, be crowned British champion twice and win the winter series 11 times.
The Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to Sport went to Ann Jones, who started as a poolside helper at Swadlincote Swimming Club 25 years ago. The 80-year-old has taken countless young swimmers under her wing to ensure they achieve their goals.
Other winners included:
Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Connie Dumelow. The 11-year-old table tennis star, who attends Melbourne Junior School, already has nine County Gold Medals under her belt.
Young Sportswoman of the Year - Mia Slevin. The 15-year-old Etwall Eagles swimmer, who lives in Hilton, won her first junior title at the winter nationals in the 200m backstroke.
Young Sportsman of the Year - Joe Bagley (15). The City of Derby swimmer, from Linton, is currently ranked as number one in the region in the 50 and 100 metre breaststroke.
Disabled Sportsperson of the Year - Megan Neave. The Newhall resident came away with 10 gold medals from the National Para Swimming Championships and the National Junior Para Swimming Championships.
Volunteer of the Year - John Majka. The Hilton Harriers Football Club volunteer won the award for his outstanding contribution to female football.
Manager/Coach of the Year - Georgia Clarke. The head coach of Sharecroft Gymnastics Club, whose elite squad train at Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote, has worked tirelessly to mentor other young trainee coaches.
Community Award - Rosliston parkrun. The popular weekly event has engaged more than 4,500 individual runners over 136 runs in two years.
Club of the Year - Sharecroft Gymnastics Club. After starting with 100 registered gymnasts, the club has more than tripled in size and has more than 100 youngsters on the waiting list.
Team of the Year – Tellurium. The street dance crew are part of School of Street and are based at Studio C in Swadlincote. One of their successes was winning the United Dance Organisation’s Yorkshire Championships.
Cllr Peter Smith, Chairman of Active South Derbyshire, said: “We are extremely proud of our outstanding sporting heroes.
“The Active South Derbyshire awards showcase those who go the extra mile in being the best they can be, from athletes to the coaches and mentors who support them behind the scenes. Their commitment and perseverance is truly inspirational.
“We would like to wish all the winners, runners-up and nominees the very best of luck in their sporting endeavours, locally, nationally and internationally.”
22 October 2018