Sports Partnership Awards 2008

The event, hosted at the Worcestershire County Cricket Ground last night (13 February), was presented by Sport Worcester in partnership with Worcester City Council and was a clear success in every measure.

The evening was kicked off with two key note speeches. Firstly the Deputy Mayor of Worcester Councillor Lucy Hodgson paid tribute to the great work undertaken by the Sports Unit at the City Council which delivers over 3,500 coach hours to over 8,000 Worcester children, in which 350 of those received coaching by the nine Community Sports Coaches have now moved into a club environment

Chris Horsman the Worcester Warriors prop and Welsh international then gave a inspiring speech about his own rise to sporting glory in which he has had to struggle against certain personal trials and tribulation including overcoming testicular cancer.

Moving on to the award winners, Les Bishop the Sport Worcester Treasurer said: “The nominations for awards were of a high calibre to which the adjudicating body of Sport Worcester found it very difficult to pick category winners, however the evening which is designed to celebrate sporting achievements, also acknowledged all category nominations and the supporting people that assist local athletes to continue in their chosen sports.”

The winners were:

It was clear to see the high standard of sporting achievements in all categories. However three awards stood out:

Jo Lyons , winner of the Senior Sports Personality Award certainly deserved her award as her 2007 accolades include; British Indoor Rowing Champion 2007, British National Sculling Champion 2007, Home Counties International Sculling Champion, GB Squad Finalist, Winner Single Sculls (Senior) Women’s’ Henley Regatta, Finalist finishing in fifth place – Ghent International Regatta, Winner – 1x at Reading, Worcester and Peterborough Regattas, Henley Royal Regatta semi finalist w4x Princess Grace Challenge and undefeated in UK in Single Scull racing.

Aimee Cockle , winner of the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award. Aimee is deaf and unable to speak. She started playing for Worcester city Ladies Reserve team at the start of this season.

She has put together and captained a small sided team for an annual tournament. They went on to win the tournament beating teams such as Derby , Leeds and Fulham. In the final heat they beat Everton 1–0. As a result of this it was suggested by the Worcester FA that she go forward for England ladies deaf team which she recently attended at Loughborough and is waiting to hear the outcome.

When available she has played full matches in a fully able bodied team, integrating on and off the pitch. She attends training most weeks and is a valuable member of the club.

Joan Turner , winner of The Howard Peters Outstanding Contribution Awards, was presented with the award from Jean Peters, the widow of the late and much loved local sports personality Howard Peters who died in 2007 whilst trying to accomplish 70 sports in 70 days for his 70th birthday.

Joan is the archetypal unsung hero, she underpins grass roots sports. She is simply the Worcester Athletics club member who week in and week out, rain or shine, without moaning or berating the system turns up to do a thankless task - but still pays her own subs.

The work that she does is invaluable and the club simply could not afford to lose her. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year – from 6.30pm-9.00pm she collects the track fees from the training athletes and dispenses club merchandise and advice with a cheery smile and a merry quip. She has done this job for the last 15 years.

Peter MacKenzie-Shaw, Sports Development Officer for Worcester City Council added: “Sport is the best vehicle for breaking down barriers of age, race, social deprivation, gender and health; tonight’s awards which celebrate high achievers and those who give up there evening and weekends to support ambitious participants is a great example of what can be achieved through the medium of sport.”

To find out more about the awards contact PeterMacKenzie-Shaw on 01905 722317.