Cheshire Phoenix are celebrating their first trophy of the season after chairman Andrew Donaldson and his wife Debbie scooped top honours at the Cheshire West and Chester Sports Awards last week.
Andrew and Debbie, who serves as the Nix community programme coordinator, were named Volunteers of the Year at the ceremony, held by Sport Cheshire at the Macdonald Portal Hotel in Tarporley, which recognised the best coaches, volunteers and sportspeople in the county.
Andrew and Debbie were nominated after devoting a combined 200 hours per month to the Phoenix since they stepped in to help fans save the professional basketball club in late 2012.
As well as stabilising the BBL Championship side by building good relationships with local businesses, the pair have also worked to restore its community Hoops 4 Health programme, reaching out to schools to deliver messages about healthy eating, healthy living and exercise to 28 primary schools in 2014.
They are also implementing a programme of club expansion which will see the club further integrate itself within the community, providing sporting opportunities for young people, those with disabilities and many more.
After picking up their award Andrew said: “We are thrilled and honoured to be given this accolade but the real prize is seeing the results of our work and sharing it with as many people as we can.
“We have seen crowds grow significantly this season and the community is really getting behind us.
“That we have won this award means we must be on the right track.”
Debbie added: “I am proud to be part of a Phoenix organisation which is supported by a team of fantastic, dedicated volunteers.
“We all volunteer because we believe that our sport has a positive influence and to inspire people to achieve great things.”
