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2008 Awards Photos Gallery

2008 Sports Awards

Suffolk Honours its Sporting Heroes.

The Suffolk Sport Awards 2008 were triumphant in rewarding our local sporting heroes on Sunday 19th October at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

Professor Bill Tancred MBE, Chairman of the Suffolk Sport Board, welcoming the Lord Tollemache, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk and the three hundred in attendance, formally opened the Ceremony.

The first presentation of the evening was to three of our six Suffolk based Olympians & Paralympians. Organised by Adam Baker (2012 Suffolk Project Manager), the achievements of Bronze Medallist Sharon Hunt (3 Day Eventing), Jo Ellis (Hockey) & Brian Alldis (Wheelchair Racer) were celebrated. Adam said, “The Suffolk Sports Awards provided a fitting stage to recognise Suffolk's Beijing Olympians and Paralympians. Their endeavours over the summer were an inspiration to us all and to be able to recognise them alongside the people who make sport in Suffolk so special was tremendous".

Making the presentation, Lord Tollemache spoke of ‘how proud Suffolk was of their achievements’, and with all eyes now turning to the London 2012 Games, he was sure that their collective performances will have inspired more young people to take part in sport.

Following such a fitting start to the evening, the Winners, Runners Up & Highly Commended for each of the individual twelve Awards were presented.

The Sport4Suffolk Coach of the Year Award Winner 2008-

Steve Benson (Athletics)

Steve coaches at Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club. He is not only recognised through out Suffolk, Steve is a well-known Coach on the National scene. His coaching strategies are well respected, highly valued and fully utilised in England, all evident in his previous work with GB Junior Teams.

Steve is renowned for getting the best out of his Athletes, by giving and expecting the highest standards of professionalism, whilst sharing infinite patience, insight, wisdom and humour.

His hard work and coaching ability has been mirrored by the amount of County, Regional and National Champions Steve has produced, as well as some athletes going on to represent Great Britain.

Runner Up – Ian Cotton (Swimming)
Runner Up – Andy Wood (Gymnastics)
Highly Commended – Jane Jiggins (Roller Skating)
Highly Commended – Nigel Brown (Rugby)

The BBC Radio Suffolk Unsung Hero Award Winners 2008 –

Don & Pat Neate (Swimming)

Don & Pat initially joined Bury Beavers Swimming Club in 1975, soon becoming involved in every capacity. Don, became only the second person in Suffolk to qualify as a National ASA Referee and Pat, whilst teaching hundreds of Swimmers, were the motivational force behind the amalgamation and creation of West Suffolk Swimming Club.

Since joining the County Executive in 1983, both serving as County President twice each, their list of roles are endless and continues with Don managing and sitting on many Regional Management Boards and Committees. With Pat recently stepping down from the National Judicial Appeals Panel, travelling all over the Country, the couple’s commitment to Swimming is evident, even celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary whilst Officiating at the County Championships!

Runner Up – Donna Mills (Hockey)
Runner Up – John Halls (Rugby)

The Suffolk County Council Spirit of the Games Award Winners 2008 –

Edwin Mhende, Rosie Wowk and Ashlea Smith.

The three young leaders jumped at the chance to assist Colin Richards with the Basketball training sessions in the build up to the Games. Initially attending the England Basketball young leaders course and ‘Introduction to Mini Basketball Course’, the youngsters demonstrated their willingness to learn new skills and put something back into the sport, whilst still learning so much as players.

At the games, it was the sheer enthusiasm and enjoyment for the game that rubbed off so obviously on the youngsters that they were coaching. They buoyed on their team with great spirit, cheering each participant at every opportunity as well as demonstrating great maturity with their coaching decisions. These three young coaches totally inspired their team, naturally selling the game with their bubbly personalities, making them fantastic role models!

Runner Up – St Edmundsbury Athletics Team
Runner Up – St Edmundsbury Boys Hockey Team

The Nemisys Innovative Project Award Winners 2008 –

Game On & Jumpers for Goalposts.

This community based Project, collaboratively delivered by Team Ipswich & Positive Futures, provided youngsters the opportunity to access free coaching across Ipswich. Carried out over the Summer Holidays, the Project delivered two hundred and forty hours of coaching in Football, Basketball, Street Dance, Martial Arts and Boxing. The Activities were delivered in sixteen different locations across Ipswich to enable individuals aged 5-19 years to attend within their local community, reducing the barrier of travel.

As well as the innovative approach to securing funding from many different agencies, all Sports were delivered in partnership with local Clubs, who had to submit tender documents outlining their proposals to support and deliver as well as ensuring a progressive pathway into regular participation.

The multi agency investment project, also enabled participants to attend the activities completely free of charge and as a result 3281 young people have taken part in physical activity as opposed to Anti-Social behaviour in Ipswich.

Runner Up – MEGA Project
Runner Up – James Lucy (Blind Sailing)

The Harrod UK Ltd Junior Team of the Year Award Winners 2008 –

Suffolk FA U18 Team.

The Suffolk lads entered the FA County Youth Cup, the prestigious National competition open to all Counties through out England. Suffolk having competed in the National Cup since 1945, had only won the notorious competition once and previously finished runners-up in the 2006/2007 Season.

The team showed great resolve and character through out the initial stages of the Competition, consequently meeting old rivals Cambridgeshire at Portman Road in the final. Even though Cambridgeshire were clear favourites, Suffolk sustained their brilliant record and winning streak by securing a 2-1 victory. However the success of the FA County Youth Cup was only half their achievement, as the team also won the East Anglian Counties Championship.

Unbeaten the whole season, not only did Suffolk become National Champions, they have written themselves into the history books of the competition, which has been running since 1945!

Runner Up – Kirkley High School U16 Girls Football Team
Runner Up – Farlingaye High School U13 Boys Rugby Team
Highly Commended – Bury Rugby Club U10 Squad

The Touchline Sports Senior Team of the Year Award Winners 2008 –

Lowestoft Town Football Club

The long journey for Lowestoft Town seemed even longer when financial difficulties caused significant problems off the pitch. Nevertheless with the FA Vase set in the forth front of the Player’s minds, their performances remained outstanding, a true testiment to the team’s spirit and belief. Through their teamwork and determination, Lowestoft Town FC found themselves on the road to Wembley and in the FA Vase final against Kirkham & Wesham FC.

Even though Lowestoft weren’t lucky enough to win the prestigious FA Vase, the honour and experience of reaching the National final at Wembley will be something they never forget.

Runner Up – Ipswich Hockey Club Women’s Indoor 1st Team
Runner Up – Ipswich Wolves Futsal Team

Following the Buffet, there was a Question & Answer session with the Suffolk based Olympians and Paralympians, which provided an insight to being an international athlete as well as inspiring the audience.

Sharon Hunt was also on hand to present Suffolk’s highest performing Step Into Sport Students with their County and National Awards. Helen Brook collected her Bronze Award after completing over 50 hours Community Volunteering. Joe Fisher-Stevenson, Jennifer Duffee, Conrad Allum & Paul Holmes were presented with their Silver Award (100 hours community volunteering) and Suffolk’s highest performing Students’ William Goldsmith & Luke Hounsell were rewarded for being only a few hours away from the 200 hour mark and their National Gold Award.

Clubs that had gained Clubmark accreditation within the last 12 months were also presented by Ellen Falkner, Sport England East, with a Plaque in recognition for their developmental work and reaching the National standard. Fourteen of these Clubs attended the Awards evening;

Beccles Bombers Basketball Club
Stowmarket Striders Road Running Club
Blue Arrows Archery Club
Ipswich Cricket Club
Bramford Golf Club
West Suffolk Wheelers Cycling Club
Copdock & Old Ipswichian Cricket Club
Stowmarket Badminton Club
Deben Swimming Club (Waterpolo Section)
Deben Swimming Club (Teaching Section)
Fynn Valley Golf Club
Rookery Park Golf Club
Sudbury Gymnastics Club
Suffolk Spartans Powerlifting Club

In the second half of the Ceremony the following Awards were presented:

The Hunters Land Rover Ipswich Club of the Year Award Winners 2008 –

Ipswich Basketball Club

In the last season, Ipswich Basketball Club has progressed from a 3 star accreditation to 4 star, making them not only the first Club in Suffolk, but also one of only thirteen Clubs within the Country to achieve this status. Due to the significant work by the Committee and Coaches, the Club has grown tremendously in a short space of time, making them the fifth largest Basketball Club in England and the leading one in Suffolk.

The Club was also involved in the ‘Game On’ Programme in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council. Over the Summer 400 Children attended the sessions. Due to this success and the Club’s strengthening infrastructure, Ipswich Basketball Club now provides two community sessions in the Town, encompassing the whole Club’s spirit.

Runner Up – Orwell Panthers Athletics Club
Runner Up – Stowmarket Badminton Club

The Suffolk School Sport Partnerships School of the Year Award Winner 2008 –

Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School, Framlingham.

The children at Sir Robert Hitcham benefit from a well-led approach to all aspects of physical activity and competition, not just academic excellence in developing well rounded individuals.

The Inter-House Competitions provide Sports such as Rugby to Maypole Dancing; with each School House achieving success, ensuring everyone experiences the thrill of their ribbons on the Cup!

‘Friends of SRHPS’, organised by the School, run an annual ‘Sports Extravaganza Evening’, inviting local Clubs to provide taster sessions during a social evening, rounded off by a family tug of war, all raising £900 towards the School’s ‘Trim Trail’ Play Scheme.

There is an all round School approach to active healthy living, going above and beyond the duty, providing a successful and thriving School environment.

Runner Up – Leiston High School
Runner Up – Hartismere High School
Highly Commended – Kingsfleet Primary School
Highly Commended – Breckland Middle School

The Fitness Unit Triumph Over Adversity Award Winner 2008 –

Gordon Merfield (Athletics & Triathlon)

Gordon established the Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club, unfortunately and unknown to his Athletes, Gordon’s Cancer had returned after five years. Saying very little about it, he continued to coach and inspire Club members, as well as training and racing himself. Despite breaking his pelvis in two places and vertebrae collapsing, Gordon was also under going an arduous course of radiotherapy, but yet still continued to coach and race through out. After being told he had incurable Cancer, Gordon started drug treatment leaving him weak, nevertheless he still coached six times a week, including at the Suffolk Youth Games and successfully completed two cross-countries.

Gordon has always put the Club and individual athletes first, benefiting from his time and patience even though this has cost him in pain and discomfort…he continues to inspire.

Runner Up – George Chanarin (Gymnastics)
Runner Up - Evangeline Edwards (Various Sports)
Highly Commended – Zoe Newson (Powerlifting)
Highly Commended – Oliver Hedgley (Swimming)

The Suffolk Disability Sport Academy Contribution to Disability Sport Award Winner 2008 –

Claire O’Brien-Ellington (Ipswich Charioteers Wheelchair Football Club)

Claire has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Wheelchair Football Club. Initially identifying the lack of provision of this unique sport, Claire has motivated and inspired others to join her in creating this fantastic Club. Claire is a strong advocate in striving for further success and has therefore worked tirelessly to fundraise as well as gaining commercial sponsorship for the Club’s strip.

As well as battles on the pitch, Claire has had to contend with her own degenerative disability and therefore undertaking the majority of the Club’s tasks from her own bed, whilst in constant pain…nevertheless this doesn’t affect her organisation and enthusiasm for the Club and Sport.

Runner Up – Suffolk Spartans Powerlifting Club
Runner Up – Alan Taylor (Warren School, Lowestoft)

The Hunters Land Rover Ipswich Young Sports Personality of the Year Award Winner 2008 –

Matti Mortimore (Javelin)

Matti, despite only being 15, is the number one Javelin thrower at Under 17 level in both England and Great Britain. Highly commended by UK Athletics, Matti is described as ‘not only having the physical ability to achieve his potential but also displays the required mental skills’, is the youngest person ever to be selected for the UK Athletics World Class Talent Programme.

After being named by AAA, as England’s best overall Under 15 Male Athlete last season, Matti has progressed through his determination and passion for the sport, attending UK Athletics Training Camps and holding the British Record at Under 15 level.

Runner Up – Ellis Jackson (Swimming)
Runner Up – Chris Walker-Hebborn (Swimming)
Runner Up - Alessia Thomas-Jackson (Alpine Skiing)

The Larking Gowen Sports Personality of the Year Award Winner 2008 –

Ross Edgar (Track Cycling)

Ross was a member of the highly successful British Cycling Track Team at the Beijing Olympic Games. Having previously won various medals at World Cup Events and the Commonwealth Games, Ross started the year with a Silver Medal at the World Championships in Manchester as part of the Team Sprint. In Beijing, Ross qualified for the Keirin final and brilliantly secured second place against the World’s best, beaten only by the incomparable Chris Hoy, to win a Silver Medal and complete a GB One/Two.

Runner Up – Sharon Hunt
Runner Up – Jo Ellis
Highly Commended - Stefanie Biller (Swimming)

Representatives from West Suffolk Wheelers Cycling Club collected the Award on Edgar’s behalf. Ross, who is currently in Japan, said in a pre-recorded video message: “Being in Beijing competing for the Great Britain team was an unforgettable experience and to come away with a silver medal was a dream come true.”

Chloe McMorran, from Suffolk Sport said, "The evening has been a great success. It was both an honor & privilege to organise the Suffolk Sport Awards, recognising our sporting elite that continue do so much for Sport in the County, Region and Country. Some people's stories have been truly inspirational and it was great to be able to recognise these as well as celebrate them"

The Awards’ media partners, BBC Suffolk, compered the evening, following the Ceremony Stephen Foster said, “It was a real pleasure to be involved in such a special event for the entire county. It seems no stone was unturned in involving as much of Suffolk's sporting talent as possible. It was a night that all those who attended will never forget and BBC Suffolk are proud to have been part of it. Congratulations to all who put it together and, of course, all the nominees and winners. Looking forward to 2009 already."

For further information on the Suffolk Sport Awards, please contact Chloe McMorran, Sports Development Officer on 07770 543509 or visit www.suffolksport.com