Stratford District’s 9th Sports Awards

The ninth annual Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards, organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council took place on Friday 14th January with nearly 300 guests in attendance. The event hosted by the Holiday Inn 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.

Special recognition was given to Janet Connor of Shipston Tennis Club in winning the Service to Sport Award for her commitment to the club and sport over the past 47 years. Janet was thrilled to have won the award and praised the District Council for organising the evening to recognise and promote sport within Stratford.

Tom Masterson and Dan Smith from the Warwickshire Wheelchair Basketball Academy were recognised for their specialised work with Warwickshire College and bringing Wheelchair Basketball to local schools in being awarded the NFU Community Sports Award sponsored by NFU Mutual.

Other award winners on the evening were:

• Junior Sports Person: Brandon Hitchman, Stratford High School;
• Senior Sports Person: Andrew Pozzi;
• Junior Team: Stratford Athletic Club Juniors;
• Senior team: Stratford Avonside Cricket Team;
• Alternative Sport Award: Beci Dale, Blue & White Rope Skippers;
• Vasa Volunteer award: John Turner, Wellesbourne Cricket Club;
• Coach of the Year: Neil Supperstone, Henley Tennis Club and
• The Herald Amateur Press Correspondent: Andy Flynn, Alcester Rugby Club.

A special mention of thanks must go to the Herald and Lisa Chambers Jewellers for their continued support of the awards and to Angel Music for donating two weekend passes to Global Gathering 2011 for the raffle. Thank you to all businesses who donated category and raffle prizes including the Mecure Shakespeare Hotel, the White Swan and the Pen & Parchment.

Councillor Mike Brain, Community Services Portfolio Holder commented on the evening: “It is wonderful to see such a great depth of sporting talent within our district but also to recognise the large amount of work done by volunteers and coaches in making our sports clubs and schools so successful. With the Olympic Games only 18 months away we hope that even more people both young and old will be inspired to get involved in sport in some way."

For more information on the Sports Awards and how you can be part of the event in 2012 please visit www.stratford.gov.uk/sportsawards