Celebrating success at the Winchester District SPAA Sports Awards
THE achievements of sporting stars, coaches and volunteers from the area were recognised last night at the Winchester District Sport and Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA) eighth annual sports awards.
The ceremony, which was held at the Holiday Inn and was hosted by Kevan James from BBC Radio Solent, recognised commitment and excellence in 16 categories, and celebrated the local successes of the past year.
A record 97 nominations were made across the categories before the judging panel whittled down the submissions to select the winners in each category.
Awards were handed out on the night by Cllr Angela Clear, the Mayor of Winchester.
The assembled crowd of 200 were also treated to a dance display by Blueprint from Integr8 Dance, who won the Outstanding Achievement of the year award on the night, and to an inspiring presentation by Team GB gymnast Hampshire’s Kelly Simm. In addition to many other achievements, Kelly won a Commonwealth gold medal in the team final at the 2014 games and bronze at the 2015 World Championships.
Pete Leamore, Chair of the SPAA said: “In the last year, the SPAA has worked incredibly hard to continually provide equal opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity. Tonight we had the chance to celebrate the success and time that local people have put into sport in the district, recognising our heroes who inspire, motivate and encourage people of all ages to achieve and surpass their potential.
“I would like to personally thank those involved, the winners and those who were nominated, as they have again shown how fantastic sport is in Winchester.”
For further information about the event, including award sponsorship or future nominations, contact Calum Drummond, Sports Development Manager at Winchester City Council, on 01962 848329 or email cdrummond@winchester.gov.uk.
Event sponsors: Winchester City Council, Places for People, The University of Winchester, Sport Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Sparsholt College, Winchester Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic and Lloyds Bank.
The full list of winners:
Junior Sportsman – Andrew Douglas (Squash - Winchester Racquets & Fitness Club) & Adam Corcoran (Athletics - Southampton Athletics Club)
Junior Sportswoman – Megan Thomas (Squash - Winchester Tennis & Squash Club)
Junior Disability Sportsperson – Richard Mozsa & Jack Gawthorne (Ju Jitsu - Tenki Ryu Martial Arts Academy)
Senior Disability Sportsperson – Andy Perry (Multi-Sports – Winchester Multi-Sport Disability Club)
Senior Sportswoman – Kelly Simm (Gymnastics - Dynamo School of Gymnastics)
Masters Sportsperson – Rory Fitzgerald (Swimming - Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club)
Junior Team – Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club
Senior Team – Winchester Racquets & Fitness 70+ Team
Participation Coach – Michele Ward (Cycling – Velo Club Venta)
Performance Coach – Kathryn Hurrell (Badminton – Westgate Performance Centre) & Kim Hill
(Swimming – Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club)
Junior Volunteer – Edward Lewis (Volleyball – Peter Symonds College Volleyball Team)
Senior Volunteer – Thelma Hawkings (Swimming - Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club)
Club – Winchester City Basketball Club
Service to Sport – Maureen Reader (Gymnastics – Winchester Gymnastics Club)
Best Charity Fundraising Activity – Clarendon Marathon - JJ Heath-Caldwell (Winchester Rotary Club)
Outstanding Achievement – Blueprint (Integr8 Dance)