Celebration of Sport 2015

The annual Stratford-on-Avon District Celebration of Sport, organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and sponsored by Rybrook MINI Stratford, Everyone Active and NFU Mutual, took place on Friday 23 January with over 250 guests in attendance including Paralympic gold medallist James Roe MBE, and Olympians David Moorcroft OBE, Glen Smith, Paul Brain and Chris Arrowsmith.

The Celebration of Sport, now in its thirteenth year and hosted by the Stratford Manor Q Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon celebrated the sporting achievements of clubs and individuals across the District and recognised wonderful contributions made from volunteers and parents. The council were pleased to welcome local 2012 Paralympic Gold Medallist James Roe MBE, local Olympians Glen Smith, Chris Arrowsmith and Paul Brain along with Coventry Athletic legend and 3-time Olympian David Moorcroft OBE to assist in presenting the awards.

Stratford Athletic Club dominated the awards with 3 winners on the evening; Great Britain's top Under 17 high jumper Rory Dwyer won Junior Sports Person of the Year for the 2^nd consecutive year running whilst his coach Paul Bearman walked away with the Rybrook MINI Stratford Coach of the Year. The club's 3^rd accolade went to the Ladies cross-country team with the award for Senior Team of the Year.

Young volunteer, 14 year old Megan Watkins from Shipston High School won Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to helping others in a variety of different sports both in and out of school time for the past 3 years.

The prestigious Service to Sport award was a tie this year, for the first time in the events history, judges could not decide between Harbury Rugby club stalwart of 40 years Jerry Birkbeck and Stratford Cycling Club's Tony Butler. Both gentlemen, between them, have given nearly 80 years of service to their sports both locally and regionally and were welcome winners of the award.

A full list of the winners:

Junior Sports Person of the Year: Rory Dwyer (Stratford Athletic Club).

Everyone Active Junior Team of the Year: King Edward VI School Boys Fencing Team.

Alternative Sport of the Year Award: Jump Rope UK skipping team.

NFU Mutual Community Sport Award: Kelly McCormack (Stratford Community Netball).

Senior Team of the Year: Stratford Athletic Club Women's Cross Country Team.

Rybrook MINI Stratford Coach of the Year: Paul Bearman (Stratford Athletic Club).

Volunteer of the Year: Megan Watkins – Hockey, Gymnastics & Dance, Shipston High School.

Senior Sports Person of the Year: Caitlin McCarthy (Archery).

Stratford Manor Q Hotel Service to Sport Award: Jerry Birkbeck (Harbury Rugby Club) and Tony Butler (Stratford Cycling Club).

For more information on the Sports Awards please visit www.stratford.gov.uk/sportsawards

A special mention of thanks must go to Lisa Chambers for her continued support of the event.

Thank you to all businesses who donated category and raffle prizes including Stratford Manor, Rybrook MINI Stratford,  Matthew Curtis Hair Design, Lisa Chambers, The Wildmoor Spa, The White Swan, The Garrick Inn, Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar, The Blue Boar, Stratford Bike Hire, Bella Italia, Hooray's British Gelato Kitchen, The Pen & Parchment, City Sightseeing Tours & Stagecoach Midlands, Stratford upon Avon Town Walks, Stratford Butterfly Farm, Marco Italian Delicatessen and The Countess of Evesham.