Champagne Corks Popping at District Sports’ Awards

The Sixth Annual Stratford-on-Avon District Sports' Awards took place on the evening of Friday 18 January and amongst the distinguished guests in attendance it emerged that there is a wealth of sporting talent across the District.  

David Moorcroft OBE, Chief Ambassador for the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire 2012 Olympic Partnership, who attended the evening said, "The professional manner in which the awards were staged by the District Council and how delighted he was to see so many sports men and women being recognised for their hard work and achievements. It is extremely encouraging, with the Olympics happening in London in 2012, to see the emerging talent within the junior category's and the high standard within Stratford."  

The Holiday Inn hotel played excellent hosts to over 280 guests with 10 awards being presented throughout the evening. The NFU Mutual Community Sport Award was awarded to Pete Bazeley and his work with ILEAP (Inclusive Leisure Education Activities Project). This project brings many leisure activities to disabled and non-disabled young people across the District.  

Special recognition was given to Mike Wardle from Stratford Sharks Swimming Club, who was awarded the Service to Sport Award for teaching swimming over the past 30 years with the local swimming clubs and schools across Stratford.  

"The Sports Development team are a credit to the Council with the work put into the awards evening," says Councillor Chris Williams, Community Services Portfolio Holder.  

"In recognising sporting achievement and commitment across the District we are proving that sport is high on the agenda throughout the Community."  

Winners were as follows: 

Community Sport Award - ILEAP & Pete Bazeley

Junior Sports Person - Andrew Pozzi, Stratford Athletic Club

Senior Sports Person - Oliver Manoochehri, Warwickshire College

Junior Team - Stratford High School Yr 10 Football Team

Senior Team - Stratford Rugby Club 1st XI

'Alternative' Sport Award - Blue & White Rope Skippers

Coach / PE Teacher - Alan Smith, Stratford Taekwon-do Club

Volunteer / Club Administrator - Peter Clark, Alcester & Ragley Park Cricket Club

Press Correspondent - Keith Hawkes, Stratford Athletic Club

Service to Sport Award - Mike Wardle, Stratford Sharks Swimming Club