Stockport finalists for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport | 05 November 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Stockport

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 Stockport Sports Awards were held at the Houldsworth Golf Club on 27^th September and the winners on the evening who will now represent Stockport at The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are;

Changing Lifestyle

This award recognises individuals who have used physical activity to transform their lifestyle for the better.

Denise Cowgill

Denise attended the PARiS (Physical Activity Referral in Stockport) COPD class after being in remission from lung cancer, which led to one half of her lung being removed. She initially started off on a treadmill once a week for five minutes, and now manages a staggering five times per week, walking for 80 minutes. Her consultant’s especially pleased with her massive improvements in fitness and weight loss of over five and a half stone.

Club of the Year

This award recognises a community club or community group who has had an impact in their local community.

Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club

The club has doubled in size during the last 12 months and currently offer opportunities across all age groups for boys & girls. A Community Charter Standard Club with Cheshire FA, they support over 80 coaches providing training and development opportunities for all volunteers. In October 2018, the club partnered with Seashell Trust and moved all teams to their new 3G pitch funded by the Premier League and other partners.

Young Sports Achiever of the Year

This award recognises young athletes (aged under 18) who are not professionally funded who have had significant success in their sport.

William Shirt

Over the year, William captained the victorious England under 19s lacrosse team in the European under 20s Championships and at 17 he is one of the youngest players to play first team for his club Cheadle who won the NEMLA Premier League. In addition to attending England training camps he has been coaching and refereeing matches too.

Unsung Hero

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

Roger Boyer

Roger has devoted his adult life to volunteering his time and expertise to Stockport Metro Swimming Club, local church, charities and the Cheshire County & Northern County Swimming Associations. Over 44 years he has supported through officiating at swim meets, producing results and statistical reports and he is currently the President of the Club. Over the last two years he has co-ordinated the resubmission of the Swim Mark accreditation.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises those who have given up their time to volunteer in sport or physical activity.   

Lee Price

Lee has several roles at Marple Athletic JFC including Chairman, under 15 boys and girls manager and coach at the SSE Wildcats Centre (girls aged 7-11). The club didn’t have a girls’ team five years ago but Lee has driven it forward and they now have seven! In addition to giving up hundreds of hours, he always finds time to support other volunteers and coaches and building strong relationships with the local schools.

Workforce Advocate

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

Jan Sinclair

Jan is best known for her enthusiasm and passion for advocating physical activity and sport to all staff members, selflessly going beyond her role as a Senior Healthcare Public Health Nurse to support their health and wellbeing. She never says ‘no’ to a new initiative and examples include, a weekly staff Zumba session, organising weekly staff walks and leading a “Run Club”. These have helped to reduce sickness levels and improved the health and wellbeing of staff at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

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.

Rose Hill Primary School

Rose Hill ensures an extensive mix of timetabled classes. Breakfast and after school clubs are on offer to ensure children are meeting the recommended 60 active minutes. They have a fantastic calendar of events and ensure staff are provided with training and support to develop their skills. Their biggest initiative has been promoting physical activity by recording workout videos and including activity on their weekly homework sheets.

Initiative of the Year

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

The Cherry Tree Project

The project was created to build relationships within a local community, which had no provision for its young people. Outreach engagement led to a summer programme where total attendance was over 350. The project connected with families who were vulnerable/socially isolated, providing free meals at a time when families really struggle and has led to identifying gaps in provision for vulnerable young people and the creation of further plans.

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.