Winners announced at Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2013

Sportspeople, volunteers, coaches and individuals came together to be recognised at the annual Active Lincolnshires Awards last week, which saw people from across the county awarded for their fantastic sporting achievements over the past year.

Sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley presented the awards evening, which were sponsored by Lincolnshire Media and took place at the Lincolnshire Events Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Almost 350 guests celebrated Lincolnshire’s year of sporting success at the annual event organised by Active Lincolnshires Partnership to recognise those involved in sport and physical activity from across the county.

Janet Inman, Chief Executive of Active Lincolnshires Partnership said:

“The Active Lincolnshires Awards 2013 were a huge success; we celebrated and recognised some of our top sportsmen and women as well as volunteers, coaches, clubs and individuals whose lives have been impacted by sport and physical activity.

“It was always going to be hard to top last years ceremony with our Olympic athletes showcasing their medals, but this year was all about the Olympic legacy and inspiring the next generation and it was fantastic to see and hear stories of people’s hard work and achievements, ensuring Lincolnshire sport is thriving in the county.”

“2013 has been a fantastic year for sport and the Active Lincolnshires Awards were a perfect opportunity to celebrate Lincolnshire’s sporting success.”

Active Lincolnshires Partnership would like to thank host Jacqui Oatley, local businesses and organisations for their support, all of our award sponsors of the evening and all the guests and nominees for making the event so successful.

The list of winners and runners-up for each category can be seen below:

Active for Health

Sponsored by NHS Lincolnshire

Winner: Andrew Elsham (Lincoln)

27 year old Andrew Elsham was referred by his GP onto an Exercise Referral scheme in 2011 with weight issues, low confidence and low self-esteem.

Now, thanks to his hard work and determination in the programme, Andrew has lost 5 stone in the last 18 months and has gained the confidence to take a teaching qualification and has recently joined a weekly running club.

Runners-up: Laura Tate, Patricia Mabbott

Contribution to Physical Activity

Sponsored by NHS Lincolnshire

Winner: Ann Bradshaw and Karen Hunt

Karen and Ann have been Health Walk leaders in Gainsborough since 2008 and have given up a lot of their spare time to play a vital role in the health of the community.

As well as leading over 600 walks between them they have clocked up 1800 miles in the process. Both ladies have overcome their own personal hardships to help benefit their local community.

Ann, a breast cancer survivor, and Karen, who suffered a brain haemorrhage, have continually brought real life experiences to their group and have given hope to their fellow walkers in times of need. Both are true ambassadors for West Lindsey Health Walks.

Runners-up: ELDC and CPBS Finance Team, Nigel Stephenson

Young Sports Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by Branston Ltd

Winner: Gemma Gray

Gemma Gray, a highly motivated and outstanding student in the 6th form at Skegness Academy, has given up time afterschool and at weekends to play an integral role in providing opportunities for younger students in sport.

As well as volunteering in the nationally recognised primary programme that runs from the Academy, Gemma has shown flexibility as a leader co-ordinating a plethora of sporting events including Year 2 /3 swimming gala, the National finals for sports hall athletics at the NEC in Birmingham and a Year 6 netball tournament.

Runners-up: Oscar Tierney, Melissa Poole

Sports Educator of the Year

Sponsored by Waterside Shopping Centre

Winner: Ruth Simpson

As the Principal Lecturer of Equine for the University of Lincoln, Ruth has worked tirelessly helping clubs and individual riders reach their true potential over the past fifteen years.

Ruth is the programme leader for the Foundation Degree in Equine Management and Training and the module leader within BSc in Equine Sports Science. Within the course programmes and in an extra-curricular role, Ruth has supported, helped, and instructed students in horse and stable management, helping to develop the student’s self-confidence and self-belief.

Runner-up: Helen Foot

Sports Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by Sport Makers

Winner: Anita Ruffle

For the past 20 years, Anita has dedicated her time to volunteering at her local swimming club.

As well as being a parent, committee member, learn to swim teacher, masters coach, swimmer, swimming official, Club Chairman on Pentaqua, Anita is currently studying to become a swimming referee. Anita believes volunteering is vital in the community.

Anita, who was not only nominated for her dedication but for her great approach with the young swimmers, many of whom in her groups are disabled, has been instrumental in setting an excellent example in learning and progressing.

Runners-up: Adam Grist, Josh Palmer

Coach of the Year

Sponsored by Bridge McFarland

Winner: Tony Perrin

15 years ago, Tony started coaching in Lincolnshire. Since then Tony has attained some great achievements under his belt. In 2008, he coached and managed the Lincolnshire’s men’s County side, which this year has become the England Hockey County Champions. He then went on to coach them three separate times.

Tony Perrin has devoted a great part of his life to coaching youngsters at Lincoln Hockey Club and has been instrumental in gaining Club First Status for Lincoln Hockey Club. Three years ago Lincolnshire were struggling in Division C of the County Championship leagues and under Tony’s guidance they achieved promotion to Division B and in the season 2011-12 took their place in the premier division A. Tony’s ambition and devotion to coaching in Hockey has seen some fantastic achievements for Lincolnshire Hockey.

Runners-up: Roger Hobby, Tracey Wilkinson

Sports Club of the Year

Sponsored by Lincolnshire Showground

Winner: Legbourne Cricket Club

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers the past 12 months have seen Legbourne Cricket Club thrive and grow in all areas.

As well as coaching sessions increasing to 50 per session, the Under 13 team entered the East Lindsey league for the first time in 2013 and won it. The club recently signed up to the ECB’s Clubmark and is working towards accreditation.

The clubs welcoming atmosphere attracts many parents and spectators to all training sessions and fixtures and recruits volunteers for a range of other community supporting activities. Legbourne Cricket Club has a committed group of dedicated volunteers and coaches who have built a fantastic platform from which the club is growing and set to thrive.

Runners-up: University of Lincoln Netball team, Kesteven Rugby Club

Veteran Sportsperson of the Year

Sponsored by Ellmore Consultancy

Winner: Steve Seymour

59-year-old Steve first picked up a Hockey stick at the age of fifteen and since then has been an ambassador for Hockey in Lincolnshire.

In May this year, Steve Seymour made his debut for the over 60’s England Hockey side. After being selected to play in the Home Nations Tournament in Swansea, he played in the European Finals in Antwerp where England were crowned champions. Steve scored 2 goals for England during these finals.

Runners-up: Karen Hames, Tim Greig

Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Sponsored by Design by Distraction

Winner: Rebecca Franks

After a very successful year, Rebecca, who was born with her disability, has her sights set on the International Championships next April.

In 2013, Rebecca came 5th at the Junior Nationals and won one gold, one sliver and five bronze at the regionals. Last year, Rebecca also received a British record.

Runners up: Charlie Bonner, Fraser Swain

Young Sportsman of the Year

Sponsored by Ruddocks

Winner: Harry Falconer

15 year old Harry Falconer has been playing squash since he was eight. Harry started playing at a national level, proving himself at a higher level.

Harry remained undefeated in European Junior Squash Championships and captained his under 15’s Squash Team to victory. He achieved number 2 ranking in the England at U15 age group and finished 3rd in the 2013 England Junior Squash Championships (U15). Harry also managed to beat of all the adult competition to win the N.E. Lincs Squash Championships in May 2013.

Runners-up: Christopher Davies, Joshua Brown

Young Sportswoman of the Year

Sponsored by Ambitions Personnel

Winner: Harriet Housam

Harriet, who started rowing at the age of fourteen, was one of the youngest to be selected for the GB talent programme and in December 2012 she was selected for GB training camp in France.

Harriet starting rowing at the age of 14 and was one of the youngest to be selected for the GB talent programme. She has represented Lincolnshire in many competitions and was the first female junior to race at Henley from Lincolnshire. She has also helped coach and inspire other juniors at her local club in Boston, becoming their junior Captain and going into local schools to promote her sport with the Sportivate programme.

Runners-up: Chloe Brock-Taylor, Abbie Donnelly

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Sponsored by Paragon Print and Packaging

Winner: Jamie Carter

Jamie, who has cerebral palsy, was highlighted as having potential in wheelchair basketball, table tennis, boccia and athletics in 2010 and although he was already a successful wheelchair basketball player, he began wheelchair racing.

Last summer, he was selected for the T34 100m and 200m Wheelchair Sprints race at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He reached the final of the 200m event in the Olympic Stadium. Since then, Jamie has been training hard for upcoming Europeans and the World Championship and has his sights firmly set on Rio 2016.

Runner-up: Liz McTernan, Lee Cupit

Sportsman of the Year

Sponsored by University of Lincoln

Winner: Jack Harvey

20 year old Jack Harvey won his first race at the British Grand Prix this year in front of your hundred spectators and after years of competing at the top, he is now working with the French team ART Grand Prix.

Jack is currently racing in GP3 and is back to supporting Formula One race’s. He has been living in France for 6 months to get to know his new team and is currently in 3rd place in the championship with 3 race weekends to go to the end.

Runners-up: Dan Cox, Alex Lowes

Sportswoman of the Year

Sponsored by Belvoir Lettings (Lincoln)

Winner: Arran Brindle

After a truly inspirational career for the Lincolnshire cricketer, the past 12 months have heralded unparalleled success at the International, National, County and local level for Arran in the women’s game.

Regaining the Women’s Ashes Trophy from World Champions Australia, having the 2nd highest batting average for the England Team in the 2013 Women’s World Cup in India and becoming England’s premier all-round cricketer, Arran has had a remarkable year.

Runners-up: Sophie Allen, Sophie Wells MBE

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by SCS Technology Solutions

Winner: Robin Wright

Robin has been an influential figure in sport in Lincolnshire throughout his life. As well as playing a major role in the development of sport in the county including Hockey, Cricket, Canoeing, Rowing and the Lincolnshire Scouts Association, Robin has been a director of sport at the University of Lincoln for years.

Robin, who is now retired, has played a key role in developing University sport, as well as working with Active Lincolnshires Partnership on key projects including helping to bring the Egyptian Paralympic Team to train in Lincolnshire in 2012. Robin has a huge belief in volunteering, especially in sport.

Runners-up: Barry Dagger, Michael Savage

Active Lincolnshires Personality of the Year 2013

Sponsored by Rilmac Holdings Ltd

Winner: Arran Brindle

After picking up the Sportswoman of the Year title earlier in the evening, Arran was awarded the Active Lincolnshires Personality of the Year 2013 Award for her outstanding achievements over the last twelve months.