Hundreds of people turned up to this year’s Sport Pembrokeshire Awards last Friday.
Despite the threat of snow, Folly Farm was packed for the annual award ceremony, which celebrates the efforts of the County’s sportsmen and women – as well as the volunteers and sponsors that keep grass roots sport growing.
Hosted by Sport Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire County Council’s sports development arm – the popular sports awards attracted scores of nominations across a wide range of sports.
Awards were presented in a wide variety of categories.
Among those recognised was Haverfordwest rugby player and coach Steve Barnett, who earlier this year used his paramedic training to help save a young player who stopped breathing after a fit.
He was presented with this year’s Chairman’s Award.
International Rally Driver David Llewellin of Rudbaxton was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure said the event recognised the hard work and effort that went into sport in Pembrokeshire.
“We have a very high standard of award winners, including several world champions” he said.
“The huge number of nominations every year and the increasing number of sports represented reflect the depth and range of sport played in our County.”
The Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor John George, who presented the Special Achievement Award to Steve Barnett said the awards not only recognized sporting achievement but also admirable sporting acts.
“It was a very special act that Steve carried out and although he has treated it in his usual modest manner, I am very happy that we recognize his splendid work,” he said.
John Deason, Manger of Sport Pembrokeshire said the success of the awards scheme was due to “the hundreds of coaches, parents and volunteers that keep our community sports clubs going week in, week out throughout the year.
“We should also recognise the commitment of the main sponsors including Chevron, Western Telegraph, Folly Farm and Radio Pembrokeshire.”
Geoff Williams, Head of BBC Wales Sport who was a guest speaker at the event, said he was consistently amazed at the large number of Pembrokeshire sports men and women who performed at such high levels.
This year’s winners and finalists in each category were:
Coach of the Year
(sponsored by Sport Wales)
Winner: Victoria Jones, Llangwm (Special Needs Gymnastics Coach)
Finalists: Keith Thompson, Laura Jones
Female Sporting Achievement
(sponsored by Western Telegraph)
Winner: Angharad James, Llandissillio (Wales U17 Girls Football squad and Arsenal Academy.)
Finalists: Lauren Bell, Ann Lewis
Male Sporting Achievement
(sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire)
Winner: Paul Jones (Hakin FC)
Finalists: Matthew Standing, Oliver Simon
Boys Under 16 Achievement
(sponsored by Chevron)
Winner: Michael Beckett, Solva (world championship sailor)
Finalists: Scott Jones, Sion Bennett, David Omoregie
Girls Under 16 Sporting Achievement
(sponsored by Radio Pembrokeshire)
Winner: Danielle Rowe, Pembroke Dock (world championship sailor)
Finalists: Britney Campbell-Lawrence, Hannah Lewis
Disability Sport Award
(sponsored by Folly Farm)
Winner: Victoria Walters, Tenby (Special Olympics GB Gymnast)
Finalists: Alexander Davies, Mike Lewis
Junior Under 16 Disability Sports Award
(sponsored by Folly Farm)
Winner: Jacob Thomas, Bethesda (GB Paralympic development squad)
Finalists: Jemma Bowie-Hallam, Harry Thomas
Unsung Hero Award
(sponsored by The Western Telegraph)
Winner: Ann and Bob Adams, Pembroke (30 years service to swimming)
Finalists: Brian Griffiths, Malcolm Hawkins
Club Organiser Award
(sponsored by Radio Pembrokeshire)
Winner: Liz Rowland, Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire Harriers)
Finalists: David Williams, Stephanie Amos
Team Achievement
(sponsored by Chevron)
Winner: Hook Ladies Cricket Team
Finalists: Haverfordwest Golf Club Ladies Section, Pembrokeshire College Football Team
Junior Under 16 Team Achievement
(sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire)
Winner: Ysgol y Preseli U16 Rugby Team
Finalists: Fishguard and Goodwick Tennis Club U12 Team, Ghetto Soldiers Dance Team (Sir Thomas Picton School), Team Stepaside (Stepaside School)
Contribution to School Sport
(sponsored by Sport Wales)
Winners: Aled Smith and Joel Read (Greenhill School 5×60 Basketball coaches)
Finalist: Anne Mear, Kay Reynolds
