Wigan finalists for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport | 08 November 2019 | TAGS: Wigan

For the past 2 weeks we have revealed our local winners who will be joining us at next week's Greater Manchester Sports Awards thanks to their outstanding commitment to physical activity and sport across the County.

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 Wigan Sports Awards were held at the DW Stadium on 11^th October and the winners on the evening who will now represent Wigan 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.

Alan Richmond

Alan attended the ‘Lets Get Movin’ programme and has lost two stone over the last 12 months. Alan committed to lead an active lifestyle through home cooking, walking and exercising. He now inspires people around him to make healthier choices and volunteers at ‘Go Wild Camps’ and ‘Lets Get Movin’ sessions weekly.  Alan is a role model to others around him, has developed confidence and is positive about his future.

Club of the Year

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

Orrell Ju Jitsu

Orrell Ju Jitsu has over 100 members aged 4-64 years. 2018/19 was a successful year, achieving four new senior black belts, five junior black belts and the inclusion of a new teaching syllabus. The club has committed to supporting the growth of a coach pathway. It has linked with local primary schools, high schools and colleges, teaching self-defence and conflict management, it runs successful satellite clubs and achieved Inclusive Club status.

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.

Caitlyn Saddington

Caitlyn competes in Para Dressage at Gold level and became National Gold Champion in February 2019. Caitlyn represents Great Britain in 2* and 3* events, achieving 2^nd place at international level this year. She has a complex medical history and recently experienced significant deterioration in mobility and sight. Caitlyn continues to work hard and with every set back finds a way to continue to achieve at the highest level.

Unsung Hero

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

Tom Harrison

Tom started Hindley Juniors FC back in 1991 with just 64 children, the club now has 400 members and in 28 years has helped engage over 6,000 boys and girls.  Tom is a committee member, coach, manager, grounds man, fundraiser, well you could say Mr Hindley Juniors! Tom is always looking for ways to develop the club, engage with the community and recently worked on the development of the girls section.

Volunteer of the Year

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

Peter Hill

Peter formed Place2Place - a men’s mental health football team. Due to Peter's hard work, the club has grown significantly over the past 12 months. Peter has played an instrumental role in not only getting sponsorship, funding, running the social pages and growing teams, but has provided a place for people to go who are facing difficult circumstances. He has brought men together, providing a support network and in some cases a lifeline.

Workforce Advocate

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

Nicola Leyden

Nicola is a Junior People Business Partner at Sofology and champions health and wellbeing within the organisation. She drives, promotes and organises opportunities for teams to engage with, including Virgin Global Pulse Challenge, workplace sports days, Health MOT’s, wellbeing weeks, step challenges and mental health training. Nicola constantly thinks of new ways to improve workplace wellbeing, influences budget decisions and is a fantastic advocate, leading by example and motivating colleagues to make healthier lifestyle choices. 

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.

Landgate School

Landgate School, a specialist school for children with Autism, is committed to providing inclusive opportunities for all pupils and staff to engage in physical activity. By embedding The Daily Mile, morning shake ups, quality PE and swimming lessons, creating links with service providers to run outdoor adventure activities, health programmes and advice to up skill staff, the whole school has been involved in making physical activity part of the daily routine.

Initiative of the Year

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

WigLe Dance CIC

A dance development organisation working to create opportunities ‘available to all’ to engage in high-quality dance activity. WigLe coordinated the Wigan Youth Dance Festival, engaging 150 young dancers and managed ‘WN Youth Dance Company’ by giving 16 talented dancers the opportunity to represent their town at regional and national level. They run pay-as-you-go classes attended by 100 3-16 year olds every week and they’ve transformed their studio centre into a new community asset.

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.