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 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 which had 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 authority’s sporting success and projects over the past year.
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.
Coun 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 – Sian Cousins, Welland Primary School
Volunteer of the Year – Tom Bennett, Worcester Wolves Basketball Club
Team of the Year – Motion Masters Ignite Pom Dance Team
Coach of the Year – Danielle Miles-Ranger, Leigh and Bransford Badgers FC
Inclusive Project of the Year – Malvern RFC Mixed Ability
Community Project of the Year – The Malvern Hoops Campaign
Club of the Year – Women on Wheels
Sports School of the Year – Northleigh CE Primary School
Positive Change of the Year – Sophie Barnes, Rookie to Runner
Young Male Sports Personality of the Year – Joseph Witt, Malvern Gymnastics Club
Young Female Sports Personality of the Year – Lottie Trevethan, Leweston Pentathlon Academy
Sports Personality of the Year – Harriet Harnden, Malvern Cycle Sport
Unsung Hero of the Year – Grant Mathews, Hanley Castle and Upton Cricket Club
Judges’ Choice of the Year – Evie Richards, British Cycling
