Manchester finalists for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport | 30 October 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Manchester

The 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards will take place on 15^th November at The Point Emirates Old Trafford. The 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester hold their own awards and the winners from eight categories are invited to the Greater Manchester event to represent their borough.

The Manchester Sports Awards were held at the Hilton on 19^th October and the winners on the evening who will now represent Manchester at The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are;

Club of the Year

For a community club or community group who has had an impact in their local community in the given time period. 

Active Communities Network (ACN)

ACN offers open access to young people across a targeted community. Over the last year they have built in referral mechanisms enabling other agencies and providers to refer young people to activities. They invest into local communities and have focused on providing support to people through training and development, ensuring that all members of the community are equipped to deliver. This approach ensures the workforce reflects the communities they work in, where a range of wider social issues can manifest.

Young Sports Achiever of the Year

This award is for young athletes (aged under 18) who are not professionally funded who have had significant success in their sport throughout the year.

Success Eduan

Success is extremely dedicated to athletics and her attitude to her sport is hugely inspiring to others. She is ranked number one in the country for 200m under 15 girls and has been for the last two years, winning numerous titles and events. At the National under 15 & under 17 Championships, Success broke the 30-year-old championship record held by Olympic medallist Katharine Merry, clocking an amazing 23.71. 

Unsung Hero

This award recognises long term volunteers (over 10 years) who have made a significant difference over that timeframe.

Terry Surridge

Terry coaches weightlifting in his club – Team Manchester and has a history of success in coaching across Manchester. Terry has organised the British Schools' Championships and has coached youngsters who successfully competed across the globe. In retirement, his commitment has never strayed and he travels several times a week and at weekends to coach young people and adults in the sport he loves.

Volunteer of the Year

This award is for volunteers who have given up their time to volunteer over the given time frame. 

Nazim Darr

Nazim volunteers regularly in the Khizra Community Hall in Cheetham Hill and at Abraham Moss Leisure Centre. His role involves assisting with the youth club and sports activities, setting up sessions and supporting coaches. In addition, he organises community clean up sessions and promotes the centre’s programme of sports and activities. 

Workforce Advocate

This award recognises an individual that has used physical activity or sport within their professional role to have positive impacts.

Claire Duffy

Claire is a Health Development Co-ordinator and passionate about physical activity, improving health and supporting communities in North Manchester. Claire promotes the benefits of being active; she leads by example taking part each week with her family. Claire regularly encourages health professionals to attend and promotes going for a walk, jog or run to residents. Claire has been active in driving recruitment for volunteers and signposts to other activities within the community.

School Commitment to PE and Sport Award

This award recognises schools that have gone above and beyond in respect to incorporating activity into a school day for their pupils and staff.

Abbey Hey Primary School

Abbey Hey have received the Platinum Award for the School Games with over 50% of their students taking part in after school sport. In addition, over 200 children represented their school sports teams. As well as this, Abbey Hey has set up an Active Family programme – providing parents with tips and sessions on how to be more active at home. This has also given parents many opportunities to support sports clubs throughout school.

Initiative of the Year

This award recognises a physical activity initiative by an organisation which has made a difference in communities and achieved positive social outcomes.

Over 50’s project – Love Withington Baths

This is a weekly programme of table tennis for over 50s to help reduce social isolation and loneliness. People are regularly coming back because they love playing the game and the coach; Dennis’ enthusiasm is one of the reasons why this project has been so successful. Table Tennis is great for older people; it offers many health benefits including helping coordination, providing excellent social activity, improving general fitness, balance and reflexes and even addressing dementia.

A full list of the finalists as they are announced can be viewed here. For more information on the awards including how to purchase tickets please visit www.greatersport.co.uk/awards. The winners will be announced on the evening and shared on twitter using #GMSportsAwards.