Amber Valley Sports Awards Winners Celebrated
A celebration of sport in Amber Valley took place in Ripley Town Hall on Wednesday 16th October when the Borough Council hosted an event for the winners of the Borough's 2013 Sports Awards.
Winners and their families were invited to attend the presentation which took place in the Council Chamber. Individuals were greeted and presented with their certificates by the Mayor of Amber Valley, Cllr Angela Ward.
Each district in Derbyshire organises its own 'Sports Awards' as part of the partnership agreement with Derbyshire Sport in which local sporting stars are nominated in recognition for their hard work and dedication, either as a participant, coach or volunteer in local community sports clubs.
Individuals who win the district sports awards are automatically nominated for the 'Derbyshire Sports Awards'. The winners are invited to a glittering awards ceremony in Derby - this year's event takes place on 14 November. Shortlisted nominees for the County Awards are expected to be released over the next two weeks.
Mayor of Amber Valley, Cllr Angela Ward, said: "This was a fabulous event which really showcased the fantastic range of sporting talent and commitment we have at all ages in Amber Valley. We look forward to further success from these marvellous sporting ambassadors."
Following are the winners from the Amber Valley 2013 Sports Awards:
Junior Sportsman of the Year
Harvey Martin
Harvey is 13 years old and has been sailing since the age of 9. Throughout the short time he has been involved in the sport he has competed at a high level and has gained several national and international sailing titles. In the 2012/13 season Harvey's efforts and enthusiasm earned him a place on the Royal Yachting Association's National Junior Squad, part of team GBR. Looking to 2013/14 he hopes to be re-selected for the RYA National Squad and one day hopes to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Alice Woodings
Alice's sport is sailing; she qualified to represent GBR this year and has recently travelled to Ireland to compete in the Senior Women's Laser World/European Championships, competing against the world's best sailors. She is currently ranked 7th female in the UK Youth U21 Radial Ladder.
Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year
George Henshaw
George is 12 years old and has been in the water since the age of 3. He was born with Erbs Palsy, which, due to nerve damage, resulted in permanent little or no right hand fingers or arm movement. George swims with Belper Marlin Swimming Club, swimming up to 5 times a week and training up to three times a week in the gym. In the last year George has set new personal bests and achieved National qualifying times for freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke. He has competed and won several medals at County, Regional and National competitions.
Sportsperson of the Year
Lee Wragg
Lee is a 5th degree black belt and has taught kickboxing for approximately 20 years. He is chief instructor of Wragsters Kickboxing academy and is joint owner of Ripley School of Boxing and Martial Arts. At the age of 39 Lee decided to resume his fighting career - he wanted to compete professionally again as an inspiration to his students in order to inspire them. Lee has recently represented GBR at the World Martial Arts Games in Geneva and has since been asked to help coach and corner the England Squad (a 60 plus strong team).
Disabled Sportsperson of the Year (Phil Hogg & David Ellis - Joint winners)
David Ellis
David Ellis is 27 years old and competes as a Paratriathlete for Great Britain. He initially started out as a swimmer but after attending a talent identification day at Loughborough University soon took a keen interest in the challenging disciplines of the Triathlon. He was quickly accepted on to England's Talent Squad. Being partially sighted meant that he had to learn to race and train with a guide, which in itself was a challenging barrier. David's most recent achievements include; Gold at the European Championships in Turkey in June 2013, Gold at the British Championships in July 2013, selected for World Championships in August 2013 and most recently winning gold in the World Paratriathlon Championships in London in Sept 2013.
Phil Hogg
Phil is an International Wheelchair Athlete with aspirations to represent his Country in Rio at the 2016 Paralympic Games. His disability sporting career started almost immediately following a serious cycling accident back in August 1991. Phil began playing wheelchair basketball in a National league for Sheffield Steelers, but soon became a regular GB player, gaining 13 caps and going on to win a bronze medal at the International Games in '95. Phil now competes as a Paratriathlete for Great Britain and has his sights clearly set on Rio 2016. Phil's most recent achievements include; first place in reading half marathon in March 2013, second place in the British Elite Duathlon Championships in April 2013, third GB male in the London marathon in April 2013, gold medal at the European Paratriathlon Championships in June 2013 and British Paratriathlon Champion in July 2013.
Club of the Year
Heanor Swimming and Lifesaving Club
The club is this year celebrating its 40th year. Throughout that time the club has worked tirelessly to promote the sport of lifesaving and teach local people the necessary skills to keep themselves and others safe in and near water. The club now has over 100 members, starting from 5 years upwards, and is completely run by volunteers. The club has been, and continues to be, represented at World, European and Commonwealth championships. Two of the club's current members are due to travel to Canberra to represent England in the Commonwealth Championships.
Performance Coach of the Year
Kimberley Hill
Kimberley has been a performance coach at Derbyshire's elite swim squad Derventio eXcel for 5 years. She works with all aspects of the swim squad from young potential talent to the highest Great Britain performers. This season Kim was selected onto her first International team when she was picked to coach for Great Britain at the European Youth Olympics in Utrecht, Netherlands in July. Swimmers under Kim's mentorship have won endless titles at all levels.
Young Sports Leader/Young Coach of the Year
Fletcher Smith
Fletcher is a year 12 student at Belper School. Over the last couple of years he has dedicated numerous hours to the Amber Valley Gold Leaders Academy, supporting at schools competitions on both a local and County Level. He also played an integral role in promoting the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to young people. Fletcher has represented Amber Valley at several regional and national leadership events. He is a dedicated member of Belper Rugby Club, managing several teams and supporting the 1st team as assistant first aider and water carrier at every game.
Service to Sport Award
Kevin Mosley
Kevin Mosley has been a volunteer lifesaving instructor at Heanor Swimming & Lifesaving Club for nearly 20 years. As well as coaching juniors for the club he tutors training courses for instructors, which helps to maintain a future of the Club. Kevin is present at club every Monday and Friday evening session and is always prepared to do whatever is needed to help and support the members. Kevin is also a member of the current UK masters rope throwing team who are UK record holders.
For further information please contact Nikki Ottowell, Sport and Active Lifestyles Partnership Officer on 01773 841428 or email nikki.ottowell@ambervalley.gov.uk
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