Annual Rochford District Sports Awards 2009 – The winners!

The winners of the Annual Rochford District Sports Awards 2009 were presented with their awards at a gala event sponsored by Virgin Active and attended by around 150 people.

The awards took place on Thursday 22nd October at The Freight House in Rochford and were hosted by Ben Fryer from BBC Essex, with special guest Commonwealth Gold medal winner Dean Macey on hand to present the awards.

There were winners in each of the 5 categories and also nominees who were recognised with distinction. The results are as follows:

SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR sponsored by Connaught Environmental Ltd
Winner: Hawkwell Athletic Football Club
Nominated with distinction:
Hullbridge Sports
Rochford and District Swimming Club

SERVICES TO SPORT sponsored by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Winner: Marie Baker, Fitzwimarc Badminton Club
Nominated with distinction:
Steve Cooke, Rochford Casuals Hockey Club
Steve Dowding, Hawkwell Athletic Football Club

YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR sponsored by  Southend United Football Club and Southend United Community and Educational Trust
Winner: Christina Gaskin, Basketball
Nominated with distinction:
Luke Bourne, Swimming
Jo-Jo Cranfield, Swimming
Jason Sanchez, Karate

DISABILITY SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR sponsored by Waters and Stanton PLC
Winner: Lucy Hodges, Sailing
Nominated with distinction:
Joan Bell, Badminton and Athletics
Jo-Jo Cranfield, Swimming

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR sponsored by Squires Café Bars
Winner: Georgia Atkins, Athletics
Nominated with distinction:
Sue Crompton, Badminton
Lucy Hodges, Sailing

Speaking after the event, the Chairman of Rochford District Council Councillor Tony Humphries said “It’s been a  pleasure and a privilege to be associated with this event, which recognises the skill and dedication of those involved. The Council are also really pleased to welcome Dean Macey, who offered such encouragement to everyone here”.

Rochford born decathlete Dean won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Silver at the 1999 World Championships and Bronze at the 2001 World Championships. Dean treated the audience to a vibrant account of the trials, tribulations, and sheer hard work and determination that led him to winning his gold medal, and spoke about how sports competitors needed mental as well as physical strength to get to the top of their chosen field. At the end of the ceremony Dean commented “It was a fantastic and enjoyable evening rewarding talented people who fully deserve recognition. They are true heroes of sport”.

Georgia Atkins aged 16 who won Sports Personality of the Year said “It was an honour to achieve the Rochford Sports Personality of the Year award. I have had an excellent athletics season this year but was still surprised to receive the award as I was competing against two other nominees who had also had excellent achievements during the year. It is amazing to know that there are so many talented people in the district in which I live”.