Oldham finalists for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport | 31 October 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Oldham

For 19 years, Greater Manchester have celebrated the outstanding commitment and achievements made in physical activity and sport across the County through The Greater Manchester Sports Awards and this year’s event is fast approaching. The 2019 event 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 Oldham Sports Awards were held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 20^th September and the winners on the evening who will now represent Oldham at The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are;

Changing Lifestyle

For a person who has used physical activity to transform their lifestyle for the better.

Reddy Lenge

Reddy found himself spiralling into depression, anxiety and weight gain, he had shut himself off from the world outside of work. Struggling to socialise and cutting himself off from family members, at his lowest Reddy was prescribed time off work and it was during this time he discovered physical activity, after becoming a member at Royton’s OCL Gym. In the gym Reddy found a new lease of life, improving his physical fitness and confidence. Reddy’s social skills continue to improve, and he has since joined a football team and completed the three peaks challenge.

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. 

Oldham Netball Club

The club offers netball from under 8s to seniors and have this year started a ‘Future Stars’ session for children of all abilities age 5-11. The club have had their most successful season to date, having won three national titles at under 14s, under 16s and senior level. 30 players have been selected for Super League teams and six players for England Pathway. In recognition of their success this season, the club were recently awarded The Special Achievement Award by England Netball at its annual Golden Globes.

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.

Libby Genge

Libby is coming off the back of an exemplary year in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In her age and weight class, Libby is the current National, European and World champion. She is extremely dedicated to her craft, training at Oldham’s Stealth BJJ Centre for two hours, six nights a week. At the age of 14, Libby is now competing in adult competitions and winning gold medals. A driven individual in a sport where role models are traditionally male, Libby is already becoming an inspirational figure to her peers.

Unsung Hero

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

Gareth Evans

Gareth had dedicated most of his life to Hollinwood Football Club. His impact on the club has seen it go from strength to strength and kept the club in existence. He has organised countless fundraising events, gained numerous grants, and dealt with club appeals, as well as having numerous roles within the club, including child welfare officer.

Volunteer of the Year

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

Pam Hazelton
Pam is the Head Coach at Oldham Netball Club and oversees every aspect of the club and every team, from under 8’s up to seniors. She is at every coaching session and commits to over twenty hours a week, delivering training sessions, managing at games and tournaments across the age groups and completing many more duties behind the scenes. As well as her role with Oldham Netball Club, she also has a coaching role with Manchester Thunder’s under 21’s squad.

Workforce Advocate

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

Claire Timms
Claire is a midwife and has constantly tried to help her peers by participating in events and led couch to 5k in her own time to get others active. Claire supports and encourages not only the staff in her department, but across the wider hospital to be more active. She goes beyond her role as a midwife by striving to support the women and children’s department by advocating the importance of being physically active on both their physical and mental wellbeing.

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.

The Oldham Academy North

Oldham Academy North have developed an inclusive environment, which promotes opportunities to be active throughout the school day as well as a comprehensive extra curriculum programme and a huge range of competitive opportunities for all ages.  

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.

Mental Health Football

One of the first of its kind in the country, this initiative has been running since January, and in a relatively short period has already built a committed following. These free sessions provide a safe space for those experiencing mental health issues to meet new people, share experiences and sometimes simply have a chat, all while playing a sport they love.

For more information on the Awards including a full list of finalists currently announced and 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.