Winners of Chair's Sport Awards announced

The winners of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Chairman’s Sport Awards were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cllr Bryan Chalker, and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Silver medallist, sprinter Ben Rushgrove last night (Monday 8 March).

The awards recognise the achievements and dedication of local sports people, volunteers and coaches of all ages.

Local people, sports clubs, schools, higher and further education establishments, community groups and other members of the local sports scene nominated individuals and teams who they felt had made a really positive contribution to the community.

Cllr Chalker, who presented awards to winners in 12 different categories, said: “These awards celebrate the wonderful contribution that so many people make through sport. Volunteers, coaches and teachers invest huge amounts of their time and energy into sports clubs, organisations and innovative projects, and deserve to be recognised and thanked for that.

“Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Sport and Active Leisure team is working hard to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle, and the award-winners serve as an inspiration to us all.”

The charity, Sports Aid South West, also presented a cheque to talented young athlete, Ellie Cumpsty, to help with her training costs.

The Winners are:

Chairman’s Special Award

The winner of the Chairman’s Special Award is the Breakthrough Project. This supports children with low self-esteem and behavioural issues at school, using sport as the focus. Children are paired with a mentor from the Council's Sport and Active Leisure Team, Bath Rugby Community Foundation, Bath Cricket Club, Excel Tennis or the School Sports Partnership, who help to drive and motivate positive change.

Natalie Candy, the Council’s Active Communities Officer, said: “The Breakthrough Project mentors create positive experiences and relationships to affect vulnerable people in order to help them achieve, grow, develop skills and realise their full potential”

Sue Adams, Headteacher at Southdown Infants’ School, added: “In a recent Ofsted inspection, one of our Breakthrough children was interviewed and he was able to explain how the coach supported his development and helped him to manage his anger – the inspectors where very impressed.”

Volunteer in sport (19 and over): Ron Hill – Bath

Ron works tirelessly to promote and co-ordinate Bath City Boxing Club, setting up the club from scratch and leading by example.  His influence and unwavering determination recently lead to the club being awarded Access Sport club of the Year in recognition of its growth.

Volunteer in sport (18 and under): Andrew Marks – Whiteway, Bath

Andrew is in year 11 and is a keen sportsman with a passion for football.  He has organised and run a football tournament to raise funds to improve a local playing field in Whiteway and is planning more events. 

Young Achiever in Sport (18 and under): Sarah Riddoch – Keynsham

Sarah is described as an outstanding performer and very gifted, participating in a wide range of sports including tennis in which she became county champion at U10, U12 and U14.  She then decided to concentrate on netball and is a key member of Wellsway School Team, helping them reach the National finals three years in a row.  This season she has been selected to play for Team Bath Netball in the National Talent League and the England U17 squad.  She continues to take an active role in leadership and volunteering at the school and is on the School Sports Council.

Disabled Sports Person: Simeon Wakely – Timsbury, Bath

Simeon has Spina Bifida and is unable to walk but he has involved himself fully in all aspects of sport at Ralph Allen School.  He impresses his classmates with the use of his wheelchair and upper body strength.  A keen tennis player, he also swims, plays basketball and football plus he has entered the Sport Relief Mile. He has a cheeky, bubbly personality combined with a fierce determination and has raised over £1000 for charity by doing wheelchair circuits.

Disability Sport Volunteer: Ben Wicks – Bath

Ben is on of the Bath Rugby Community Foundation Bursary Scheme.  He attends coaching sessions and is developing as a coach through his volunteering at the Inclusive Sport Club at Bath Sport and Leisure Centre.  Ben is kind and very enthusiastic and has grown in confidence.  He often gives up his lunchtimes to help at the inclusive clubs at Ralph Allen School.

Sports Coach: Matt Pearson – Timsbury, Bath

Matt is an extremely committed coach and works hard to develop young players.  He is only 19-years-old and is already a Level 2 coach and referee.  He has set up and managed a number of teams and is coaching young people with disabilities at Threeways School.  He is a confident and caring young man who leads by example and has been described by parents as a ‘role model’ for their children.  Matt is currently studying for his Level 3 FA coaching badge and voluntarily supports the community through sport.

Sports Club: Bath Sword Club

Bath Sword Club is the largest club in the South West and has thriving junior and senior sections.  Coaches from the club have been providing sessions in primary and secondary schools across the area linked to their junior programmes.  They have also established a schools competition and have recently achieved Club Mark.

PE and Sports Teacher: Richard Handley – Bath

Pupils describe him as a role model and inspiration.  He devotes a lot of time to running after school clubs and is seen as supportive and friendly figure by pupils.  According to one pupil: “He brings out the best in pupils and without his support I would not have been able to achieve my results. He does brilliant work without looking for thanks.”

PE and Sport Volunteer: Richard May – Keynsham

Richard is the IT Manager at Wellsway School but gives up huge amounts of his own time to run hockey and cricket clubs.  He organises a three day hockey tour to Devon and is developing a programme of fixtures for the boys.  Richard has been improving his coaching ability and he strives to create opportunities for students to achieve their potential.

Passport to Health Achievement Award: Hilary Scudamore - Bath

When she started on the scheme, Hilary was over 12 stone, had high cholesterol and had suffered from back trouble for years.  She jumped at the chance to be on the scheme and attended the gym twice a week as well as swimming.  She is now fitter and full of energy, is a trim 9 stone and no longer requires medication.

Aquaterra Achievement Award: Theresa McDonald – Bitton

Theresa has shown great determination to keep herself fit and well, overcoming near complete blindness along with other health complications. She attends the gym three times per week and gives everything to each session by consistently upping the intensity of her programme.

Sport Aid South West Grant Award: Ellie Cumpsty – Chew Valley

Camerton youngster Ellie Cumpsty recently beat some of the region's best young male and female Topper dinghy sailors at the RYA Volvo South West Zone Championship