The annual Stratford-on-Avon District Sports Awards, organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council took place on Friday 17 February with over 330 guests in attendance, including Wasps player Guy Thompson.
The Sports Awards, now in its fifteenth year and hosted by the Stratford Artshouse, 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.
It was a good night for football in the District, with four of the nine awards being won by players or teams.
The Senior Sports Person of the Year Award was shared by Aston Villa Ladies & England team-mates, Lucy Shepherd and Mollie Rouse.
Martyn Brookhouse of Stratford Special Football Team picked up the Coach or PE Teacher of the Year Award and his team were victorious in the Senior Team category
Patrick Halton of Stratford Town Colts won the Community Sport Award for his tireless dedication to the club and its players.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Sandy Green of Stratford Athletic Club. Sandy was rewarded for the combination of support and expertise he provides to all athletes and coaches.
King Edward VI Rowing Team's fabulous form in 2017 meant they were successful in the very competitive Junior Team of the Year category.
The youngest winner of the night was in the Alternative Sport Award where nine-year-old Demi Barnett of Stratford Tae-kwondo took the prize.
The prestigious Service to Sport award went to Norton Bloomfield (Stratford RFC) for his outstanding ongoing commitment to rugby in the District.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to the parents of Enzo Buquet. Enzo was a key members and popular character in the Stratford Town Colts Under 10s and Under 11s. He tragically died in December 2016 from acute T cell lymphoma.
A full list of the winners:
Community Sport Award - Patrick Halton, (Stratford Town Colts)
Junior Team of the Year - King Edward VI School Rowing Team
Junior Sports Person of the Year – Sophia Potter (Shakespeare Swords) Alternative Sport Award – Demi Barnett (Stratford TKD)
Coach or PE Teacher of the Year – Martyn Brookhouse (Stratford Special Football Team)
Senior Team of the Year – Stratford Special Football Team
Volunteer of the Year – Sandy Green (Stratford AC)
Senior Sports Person of the Year – Lucy Shepherd & Mollie Rouse (Aston Villa & England)
Service to Sport Award – Norton Bloomfield (Stratford RFC)
Special Recognition Award - Enzo Buquet(Stratford Town Colts)
A special mention of thanks must go to event partners Touch FM and to the award sponsors – Bovis Homes, Everyone Active, Wolf Run and Cycle Route Warwickshire, King Edward VI School. Thank you also to Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, Change Makers and Stratford Artshouse for their support.
For more information on the Sports Awards please visit www.stratford.gov.uk/sportsawards
