Sports heroes honoured at awards ceremony
A number of sporting individuals and clubs from Lancashire have been commended at the star-studded Lancashire Sports Awards 2010, the largest celebration of amateur sport in the county.
Now in its ninth year, the ceremony of which MWR was a co-sponsor, was held at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort and brought together representatives from Lancashire’s 14 local authorities to recognise those who perform at the highest level in community sport, and those who work to support individuals or clubs.
England footballing legend Jimmy Armfield OBE chaired the judging panel alongside Kara Nwidobie Sharpe, Panther from hit show Gladiators, and Marie Dixon, North West regional manager of the English Federation of Disability Sports. The evening was hosted by Sky Sports News reporter Angela Powers.
MWR Solicitors also supported an individual award from one of the six categories, Community Club of the Year.
The 2010 winners are:
Coach of the Year 2010 (sponsored by the University of Central Lancashire)
Winner: Don Lennon (Athletics) – Ribble Valley
Commended: Kevin Davies (Athletics) – Blackpool
Young Volunteer of the Year 2010 (sponsored by vinvolved Lancashire)
Winner: Adam Eacott (Cricket) – Rossendale
Commended: Emma Inglis (Disability Swimming) – Blackpool
Rising Star 2010 (sponsored by the Haythornthwaite Sports Foundation)
Winner: Phillip Aspinall (Badminton) – Blackburn
Commended: Holly Bleasdale (Athletics) – Chorley
Special Recognition Award 2010 (sponsored by Lancashire Sports Partnership)
Winner: Skem Men-aces (Disability FC) – West Lancashire
Commended: Colin Makinson (Collon Kids Club) – Preston
Lifetime Achievement Award 2010 (sponsored by Lancashire Sports Partnership)
Winner: Raymond Townsend (Football & Cricket) – Pendle
Commended: Sid Jones (Rugby Union) – Wyre
Community Club of the Year 2010 (sponsored by MWR Solicitors)
Winner: Thomas Street bowling club (Bowling) – Pendle
Commended: Fylde Cricket Club (Cricket) – Wyre
Jane Booker, partner at MWR Solicitors said: “We are proud to be involved in the Lancashire Sports Awards which commended those who perform at the highest level for the love of sport.
“The team at Lancashire Sport Partnership worked very hard to ensure the event was a success and they should be commended for their efforts.
“As the 2012 Olympics approach us, sport is high on the agenda for many in Lancashire and it was great to see this recognised at such a prestigious ceremony.”
Adrian Leather, chief executive of Lancashire Sports Partnership, said: “The 2010 Lancashire Sports Awards were once again a huge success and everyone involved should be proud of all their hard work and commitment.
“It’s wonderful to see the friends and families of Lancashire’s sporting stars come together with regional sporting personalities and business leaders to support our stars of tomorrow.”
