Congratulations to Leisureworks Awards Winners
Leisureworks - trust for sport and the arts - celebrated the talents and achievements of the local community on Friday 16 September, as it announced winners at its 6th annual Sports and Physical Activity Awards, which was this year held at the Empire Theatre, Consett.
The evening opened with compere Anna Foster (from Metro Radio's Breakfast Show), an inspirational speech from guest speaker Mark 'Run Geordie Run' Allison, and entertainment from local dance and martial arts troupes, before the winners were announced during the awards ceremony.
Ed Hendrikson, Leisureworks' Sports Development Officer said: "We received a record number of nominations this year, and the panel, as always, found it incredibly difficult to choose the winners. It's fantastic seeing the level of sporting and physical activity achievements that have been happening in the area, thanks to the dedication of individuals, volunteers, clubs, schools and professionals.
"We were also thrilled to welcome back Anna Foster from Metro Radio who has strong links to the area, as well as Mark Allison. Mark is based locally in Shotley Bridge and is a true inspiration. We were keen to support his chosen charities by inviting him to speak at our event, raising even more funds for the Children's Foundation and St Benedict's Hospice.
"As always, we couldn't have staged this event without the invaluable support of our sponsors, so a big thank you goes to all those involved."
The 2011 winners are:
Coach of the Year (Sponsored by NBK Leisure)
Jack Lovett
Young Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Stanley Area Action Partnership)
Grant Ridley
Primary School Contribution to PE and School Sport (Sponsored by Health Improvement Through Sport Project)
St Patrick's RCVA Primary School
Secondary School Contribution to PE and School Sport (Sponsored by Stanley Travel)
Moorside Community Technology College
Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership)
Norman Whiteford
Young Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Mid Durham Area Action Partnership)
Jonelle Pye
Junior Sports Club of the Year (Sponsored by FX Productions)
Consett AFC Juniors
Sports Club of the Year (Sponsored by Derwentside Homes)
Shotley Bridge & Benfieldside Tennis Club
Contribution to Sport (Sponsored by D & P Trophies)
Lynne Houston
Contribution to Physical Activity (Sponsored by Groundwork)
Chris Hume
Physical Activity Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Northumbrian Water)
Mark Allison
Sporting Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Potts Print)
David Webb
Young Sporting Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative)
Alexandra Richardson
Local winners will now compete for the county title in their category at the County Durham Sport Partnership Awards Dinner on Thursday 13 October 2011 at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham with guest speaker Diane Modahl, Commonwealth Gold Medalist & Olympic 800m runner. Tickets are now available to buy at £35, please contact Jeanette Turner on 0191 372 9113 or email jeanette.turner@durham.gov.uk for more information.