Success stories and unsung heroes honoured at Wigan's Believe Sports Awards

By Wigan Council | 14 November 2022 | TAGS: Wigan, Sports Awards

Rising stars, inspirational achievers and unsung heroes were in the spotlight as the Believe Sports Awards made a triumphant return to cap a spectacular year of sport for Wigan Borough.

Former badminton world champion and Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms MBE was on hand to present the prestigious prizes at a glittering ceremony at The Edge on Saturday (November 12) - the first to be staged since the pandemic.

Some 350 invited guests were in attendance on a special night of celebration sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd and organised and hosted by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure service.

Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said:

“It’s been a momentous year with the UEFA Women’s Euros and the Rugby League World Cup both coming to Wigan Borough and local stars such as Ella Toone and Keely Hodgkinson shining on the global stage.

“As well as being home to such remarkable talent, we’re lucky to have an amazing network of individuals and groups right across the borough who support others to reach their full potential.

“The Believe Sports Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the outstanding achievements and incredible dedication of local people and honouring the incredible community champions who do so much to help our grassroots grow.

“I’d like to say congratulations to all our worthy winners and a massive thank you to all those who make the Wigan Borough sports scene so special”

Among the winners on the night was top cycling prospect Emily Burgess, who was named Young Sports Achiever of the Year having retained her British Women’s Individual Championship title as well as triumphing at the British Elite Women’s Grand Prix.

Standish Community High School’s Year 8 rugby league team won Team of the Year after an unbeaten season saw them crowned National School Champions on top of lifting the Wigan Schools Cup and the North West Schoolboys Trophy.

The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award was presented to Gary Pennington (picture above), the chair and secretary of Highfield Grange FC, for his dedication, drive and determination to help the club thrive; while Volunteer of the Year went to Stephen Price who has started his own football team for members of the local armed forces community.

Inspirational teenager Daniel Brennan (pictured below) took home the Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award having overcome numerous setbacks to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle with the help of Be Well’s Let’s Get Movin’ programme.

Club of the Year was presented to WigLe Dance, who have engaged more than 200 young people aged 5-18 in dance and physical activity over the past 12 months and staged weekly dance holiday clubs during the Easter and Summer holidays as part of this year’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Meanwhile, charitable organisation One Vision Media scooped the Inclusion in Sport Award for their work supporting people with disabilities to be more active and confident; and St George’s Central Primary and Nursery were the winners of the Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport Award - recognising their high-quality provision of physical education.

A raffle on the evening raised £1,300 in aid of the Mayor of Wigan Borough’s chosen charity, Daffodils Dreams.

Full list of winners - 2022 Believe Sports Awards sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd:

Team of the Year sponsored by Wigan Warriors Community Foundation: Standish High School Year 8 Rugby League Team

Young Sports Achiever of the Year sponsored by Leigh Leopards RFLC: Emily Burgess

Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport Award sponsored by Edge Hill University: St George’s Central Primary and Nursery

Inclusion in Sport Award sponsored by XN Leisure: One Vision Media CIO

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award sponsored by Technogym: Daniel Brennan

Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust: Stephen Price

Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Agilysis: Gary Pennington

Club of the Year sponsored by FCC Environment: WigLe Dance CIC

ENDS

For more information contact Paul Bennett, Media Officer via [email protected].