Wrexham’s sporting community gathered together on Friday 19th November to celebrate sporting success in the local area at the Wrexham County Borough Sports Awards. Over 300 players, coaches, volunteers and dignitaries attended the prestigious event which was held at Brymbo Sports and Social Complex.
The event was hosted by George Lacy, Arts and Entertainment Officer with presentations from the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Richard Dando Lead Officer for the Young Ambassadors Wales programme and Wrexham born Huw Jones, Sport Wales Chief Executive. The event now in its seventh year aims to recognise and reward those who make an outstanding contribution to sport in the area.
Cllr Bob Dutton OBE Lead Member for Communities and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said ‘The strength of this year’s categories alone reflects the hard work and determination from all to put Wrexham on the sporting excellence map.’
The categories and their winners are as follows:
- Junior Sports Personality of the Year – Sion Roberts – Athletics
- Senior Sports Personality of the Year – David Gregory – Fencing
- Disability Sports Personality of the Year – Luke Nixon – Swimming
- Junior Volunteer of the Year – Maciej Szukala – Young Gold Ambassador
- Senior Volunteer of the Year – John Nuthall – Brickfield Rangers Football Club
- Primary School Achievement Award – St Peters School Health Council
- Secondary School Achievement Award – Ysgol Y Grango and Ysgol Rhiwabon 5×60 link with Abbey Road Acro
- Sportsmanship Award – Paul Owen – Motorcycling
- Coach of the Year – Dan Sanders – Tennis
- Club of the Year – Abbey Road Acro
- Team of the Year – Wrexham AAC Mens Endurance team
- Unsung Hero – Phillip Roberts – Wrexham Hockey Club
- Arnold Griffiths Service to Sport Award – Mary Bainbridge – Hockey and Swimming
Mary Bainbridge who received the Arnold Griffiths Service to Sport Award for her services to swimming and hockey in the area said ‘It is a great occasion to see so many sporting faces together to collectively promote sport in Wrexham. I’m delighted to have won the Service to Sport Award. It is important we keep encouraging and bringing new talent through’.
Evening entertainment included showcases from Abbey Road Acro gymnastics club, Wrexham Young Sports Ambassadors and a Hoola Hoop display from Hoola Nation.
The Sports Awards serve to highlight the outstanding work and athletic achievement of local people and aim to enable everyone to share in congratulating athletes, coaches and volunteers who have accomplished sporting excellence in Wrexham.
Chief Leisure, Library and Culture Officer Alan Watkin said ‘The event has received enthusiastic support from the local sporting community of Wrexham as well as great assistance from a range of wide range sponsors. We look forward to building on the success of the event in the future and to celebrating county winners who go on to gain future recognition at a regional and national level.’
The raffle and auction held on the night raised over £300 For Children in Need and The Mayor’s Charity.
