THE area’s top sportsmen and women had their achievements recognised at the second annual Cheshire West and Chester Sports Awards.
David Bain, from Great Boughton, and Lucy Burgess, from No Man’s Heath near Malpas, were two of the big winners on the night as they claimed the Junior Sports Achiever of the Year prizes.
David, a member of Chester Sailing and Canoeing Club, is a European junior silver medallist while Lucy is a European rowing champion for her age.
The Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year awards went to Ashley Field from Blacon and Declan Kerry, from Upton. Ashley and Declan have been selected to represent Great Britain’s Special Olympics Unified football team at next year’s Special Olympics World Games in Athens.
The Coach of the Year honours went to Deva Handball Club’s Gary Kelsall and Boughton Belles Netball Club’s Emma Jones after they enjoyed a year to remember. Gary, from Chester, was asked to join the national team’s coaching staff, while Emma, from Great Boughton, was named Great Britain’s best netball volunteer for her work with the Belles and at her former school, Bishops’ High.
Boughton Belles Netball Club had further reason to cheer as they were crowned co-winners of the Team of the Year along with Northwich Rugby Club.
Chester Sailing and Canoeing Club’s John Hatton and Cheshire West and Chester Volleyball Club’s Vanessa Skillen took the Senior Volunteer of the Year accolades, while Andrew Jackson and Caitlin Kennedy were the recipients of the Young Volunteer of the Year awards in recognition of their work as platinum ambassadors of the Vale Royal and Cheshire Links School Sport Partnerships respectively.
The Special Recognition Award was awarded to both Winsford Cricket Club’s Andy Cooper and Wirral Netball Club’s Terry Beavon.
Cheshire West and Chester Council executive member for culture Cllr Richard Short, who presented the awards with deputy chairman Cllr Barbara Roberts, said: “It is fantastic that the achievements of the participants are recognised and publicly acknowledged. Clearly Cheshire West and Chester has much to offer in sport and coaching.”
Chester Go-Ride Cycling Club, Christleton Badminton Club, Deva Handball Club, Hoole Lawn Tennis Club, Malpas Cricket Club, Neston Badminton Club, Sandiway Golf Club, Vauxhall Motors Amateur Boxing Club and Wirral Netball Club were also presented with certificates on the night in honour of achieving Clubmark accreditation during 2010.
