The first ever Harlow Sports Awards took place on Wednesday 8th October at a packed Harlow Playhouse Theatre and was organised in partnership with The Herald newspaper in association with activeharlow. Hosted by former England and Essex Cricket Captain Graham Gooch OBE, the event was a great success and a fantastic celebration of sporting achievements and recognition of the valuable contributions made to sport in Harlow by volunteers.
The winners of the 11 award categories are:
Life Time Achievement sponsored by Harlow Council
Jean Pavesi for commitment and dedication to sport, particularly Cricket in Harlow over many years. Jean is a well known and respected member of the sporting community in Harlow and has been at the centre of developments at Harlow Town Cricket Club (formerly Stort Cricket Club) for many years. Jean is still an active member of the club and fundamental to many of the club’s operations.
Service to Sport sponsored by Harlow Town Football Club
Neil Mann for demonstrating a commitment to sport in Harlow over a number of years, particularly disability sport through his work with Eureka Barracudas Swimming Club and special needs trampolining. Neil’s dedication and patience clearly enriches the lives of people he coaches. He also managed to find an alternative venue for Eureka Barracudas whilst their regular swimming pool was being refurbished.
Sports Personality of the Year sponsored by sportessex
Peter Brown for an outstanding year of achievements in Darts. Last season he set a new record in the Harlow Industrial and Business Darts League by becoming the first person to win the singles, pairs and masters titles in the same year. He has also served as the league treasurer, secretary and vice-chairman.
Young Sports Personality sponsored by Asda
James Jennings for an outstanding year of achievements in the sport of Darts. James is a rising star in Darts and during 2007 James won several local Youth and Senior titles, defeated Dennis Priestley and represented the Essex County Mens’ team. James rounded off an incredible year by representing England Youth picking up 2 silver and 1 bronze at the European Youth Cup and finishing an incredible 5th at the Winmau Youth World Masters
Community Club of the Year sponsored by Attwater and Leill
Harlow Penguins Swimming Club for outstanding commitment to sport in the face of adversity ensuring that the club did not fold and that it’s members were still able to reach their potential despite the closure of the main pool in Harlow. The number of volunteers involved in keeping the club alive and finding pool space for training outside of the town whilst a new pool is being built in Harlow was also thought to be very impressive.
Coach of the Year sponsored by activeharlow
Carmen Byfield of Harlow Penguins Swimming Club. As a recently qualified Level 3 Coach Carmen had demonstrated commitment to her sport, club and members. During a very difficult year for Harlow Penguins Carmen had been a vital part in the club’s survival and developed plans for future growth ensuring that swimmers within the club have the opportunity to reach their full sporting potential.
Innovative Scheme of the Year sponsored by Newhall Projects
All Ability Sport & Leisure due to the formation of this group being the catalyst for the development of a wide variety of disability sporting opportunities within Harlow. Prior to the formation of the group very few opportunities existed for disabled people to participate in sport in Harlow but the formation of All Ability Sport and Leisure has started to fill this gap in the market.
Disability Award sponsored by HSBC
Anne Wafula Strike for outstanding achievements in Wheelchair Athletics. Anne is an inspiration to anyone and this past year has seen her profile increase locally through work in schools and coaching. Anne is also a fantastic ambasador for Harlow through the Sporting Champions programme, is regularly invited to major sporting events and this year even gave a speech to The House of Lords on how to help disabled children in Africa.
Young Community Volunteer sponsored by BAA
Ainee Foo for showing fantastic levels of dedication to sport and Harlow through volunteering at Flight Trampolining Club, Harlow Gymnastics Club and the Harlow Youth Bank. Ainee is a Level 1 coach and assists at Regional Competitions. She has also been instrumental in attracting in excess of £30,000 for Flight Trampoline Club and Harlow Gymnastics Club. Her work on Harlow Youth Bank Board has shown a commitment to the development of the community and benefited many young people in Harlow. As a trampolinist Ainee trains 4 times per week and has performed well nationally hoping to secure a UK ranking within the next year.
School of the Year sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
Church Langley Community Primary School for being awarded the Active mark Award and ensuring all pupils receive 2 hours of physical activity each week. The school have demonstrated an ability to develop sports teams in a wide variety sports winning almost every competition that they have entered during 2007-8.
More details and photographs of the evening can be viewed by clicking here
