Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards Winners 2016

The annual Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards, organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council took place on Friday 22 January with over 250 guests in attendance including Paralympic Rowing gold medalists James Roe MBE and Lily van den Broecke MBE and Laura Keats, England rugby international and World Cup Winner.

The Sports Awards, now in its fourteenth year and hosted by the Stratford Manor Q Hotel, celebrated the sporting achievements of clubs and individuals across the District and recognised the valuable contributions made by volunteers and parents.

The event was hosted by Ollie Gallant and Simon Alexander from Touch FM.

Stratford Athletic Club won four awards. The UK's top high jumper Rory Dwyer won Senior Sports Person of the Year, following two consecutive wins in the Junior category.

The Clubhouse Junior Sports Person of the Year was awarded to Agnes McTighe following her terrific year of track, road and cross-country running.

Paul Hawkins, Stratford AC's Chairman picked up the Rybrook MINI Stratford Coach or PE Teacher of the Year Award. The club's Junior section won the NFU Mutual Community Sport Award.

The positive attitude and tireless dedication and Mathew Pickering of Stratford-on-Avon & District Boxing Academy earned him the VASA Volunteer of the Year Award.

Stratford-upon-Avon School Under-16 Girls Football Team were rewarded for their fabulous season with the Everyone Active Junior Team of the Year Award.

The Stratford Bike Hire Senior Team Award was a very competitive category, with Stratford-upon-Avon Rugby Club emerging victorious.

Nicole Brain, Great Britain Canoe Polo international was successful in the Fit for Sport Alternative Sport Award.

The prestigious Stratford Manor Q Hotels Service to Sport award went to Paul Richardson of Kineton Cricket Club for his commitment and over the past 17 years.

A Special Recognition for Sport in Schools Award was presented to Carole and Robert Walker on behalf of Jo Walker, who tragically died in a road accident in 2015. Jo worked as a sports coach in a number of local primary schools.

A full list of the winners:

NFU Mutual Community Sport Award Winners - Stratford Athletic Club Juniors

Everyone Active Junior Team of the Year Winners - Stratford-upon-Avon School U16 Girls Football Team

The Clubhouse Junior Sports Person of the Year Winner – Agnes McTighe (Stratford-upon-Avon Athletic Club)

Fit for Sport Alternative Sport Award Winner - Nicole Brain (Cherwell Canoe Polo)

Rybrook Mini Stratford Coach or PE Teacher of the Year Winner - Paul Hawkins (Stratford-upon-Avon Athletic Club)

Stratford Bike Hire Senior Team of the Year - Stratford-upon-Avon Rugby Club

VASA Volunteer of the Year - Mathew Pickering (Stratford-on-Avon District Boxing Academy)

Stratford-upon-Avon Herald Senior Sports Person of the Year - Rory Dwyer (Stratford-upon-Avon Athletic Club)

Stratford Manor Q Hotels Service to Sport Award - Paul Richardson (Kineton Cricket Club)

Special Recognition for Sport in Schools Award - Jo Walker (1972 – 2015) – Award presented to Carole and Robert Walker

A special mention of thanks must go to all the sponsors for their continued support of the event.

For more information on the Sports Awards please visit www.stratford.gov.uk/sportsawards