The achievements and dedication of local sports people, volunteers and coaches were celebrated by the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Peter Edwards and special guest, Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson at an awards ceremony held on Tuesday 13 March.
At the event, which took place at the Guildhall, guests were treated to pattern demonstration by junior members of Bath Tae Kwon Do Club and were inspired to get involved by hearing about all the fantastic events planned for the Olympic Year in Bath and North East Somerset.
Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Peter Edwards said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the marvellous achievements and dedication of our local sports people, volunteers and coaches. I hope that their devotion to sporting activities in our communities continues to inspire others to take up a healthy lifestyle and get active with the support of Bath & North East Somerset Council.“
- Young Volunteer in Sport (16 and under) – Danny Willis, of Coleford, Radstock
- Volunteer in Sport (17 and over) – Elaine Hoyes, of Weston, Bath
- Young Achiever in Sport (16 and under) – Elliott Derrick, of Keynsham
- Achiever in Sport (17 and over) – Annie Bartlett, of Weston Bath, Martha Beech of Bath and Eleanor Bush of Bath
- Coach – Matthew Lewton from Broadlands School, Keynsham
- Sports Club – Combe Down Rugby Football Club
- Teacher (PE and Sport) – John Young, of Beechen Cliff School
- Young Sports Leader (18 and under) – Joshua Gay and William Gay, of Newton St Loe
- Aquaterra Special Achievement Award – David Lakey, of Foxhill, Bath
Liz Johnson, Paralympic gold medallist and twice world champion swimmer, said: “I am really excited to be part of the Chairman’s Awards for 2012. It is inspiring for me to meet people who are making a difference in their communities.”
The Chairman also welcomed special guest Steve Brunt MBE, the blind double-Paralympic Marathon gold medallist, who presented the award for Achiever in Sport (with a disability) to Kelly Hutchins, of Bath.
The Chairman’s Special Award, recognising Achievement in the Community, was presented to Max O’Leary, of Bath who was selected from all the nominations received.
A new category for 2012 included The British Heart Foundation Healthy Lifestyles Achievement Award which recognised the achievements of individuals involved with community programmes such as cycling, walking, running and the Council’s Passport to Health scheme. The award was won by Nicole Boren, of Timsbury
Bath & North East Somerset Council has agreed to become a Heart Authority for a period of five years, partnering the British Heart Foundation to achieve shared goals which will enhance the area and stimulate wider community engagement in the fight against heart disease.
Also new this year was the Gold Challenge Inspiring Others Award for those who have completed or just started a sporting challenge in an Olympic or Paralympic sport while raising money for charity. The award went to a team of Councillors from Bath & North East Somerset Council.
All the award winners were presented with a certificate, a piece of engraved Bath Aqua Glass and a voucher for free access to the Bath & North East Somerset Council-owned leisure facilities run by Aquaterra.
