This year’s Norwich Sports Awards winners gathered at City Hall last night in recognition of their achievements during a special Norwich City Council organised ceremony.
From up-and-coming sports stars of the future and coach of the year, to inspirational sportsperson and service to sport, individuals and teams were all honoured for their dedication and devotion to sport within their chosen fields.
Guests were welcomed by the city council’s chief executive, Laura McGillivray, who paid tribute to the "teams, clubs and individual sports people" who she added were a "true inspiration not only to themselves but to so many others."
The guest speakers included Tim Newenham, advisor to the Olympic Legacy Directorate, and Anne Bochmann, winner of last year's young achiever award and triple gold medallist at the 2008 European Junior Swimming Championships.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Jeremy Hooke, presented winners with their awards.
Speaking at last night’s event, Martine Holden, city council sports development manager, said: "We were overwhelmed by the quality of the responses in every category of this year's awards. It made it very difficult to choose the winners. We're very fortunate to have lots of strong clubs and so many talented athletes who make an awards evening like this possible."
Award winners were as follows:
- Best newcomer club: Street Life Soccer
(sponsored by Harpers at Riverside Leisure Centre)
- Team of the year: Harford Manor Football Team
(sponsored by Pilch Sports and Outdoor a division of Jarrold)
- Club of the year: Norwich Road Runners
(sponsored by Active Norfolk)
- Volunteer of the Year: Ian McDonald, City of Norwich Athletics Club
- Volunteer of the year: Lindsey Dare, Wensum Table Tennis Club
- Coach of the year: Stephanie Allen, Norwich Knights Korfball Club
- Sports school of the year: Tuckswood Primary School
(sponsored by Norwich and Norwich East School Sport Partnerships)
- Young achiever: Luke Miller, Miller Dance School
(sponsored by Norwich Evening News)
- Adult achiever: Tom Starling, Jiu-Jitsu
- Inspirational sportsperson: Connie Adam, Norfolk Fencing Club
(sponsored by Sportspark, UEA)
- Service to sport: Barbara Taylor, Norman Bowls Club