NPower NE Disability Sports Awards 2007
The sixth North East Disability Sports Achievement Awards, sponsored by npower, took place on 10th June 2008 at Durham County Cricket Club. The awards celebrate sporting achievement and acknowledge the work of so many people who help to bring sporting opportunities to people of all abilities throughout our region.
There were six different awards categories which recognised the achievement of both junior and senior disabled sports people, sporting clubs, and people who have made a voluntary contribution to sport during 2007.
Over 120 guests attended the celebration, including Paralympian and World Champion Stephen Miller, David Harker, Chief Executive of Durham County Cricket Club and Gordon Neale OBE, Director of Events, Disability Sports Events.
The winners from Tyne & Wear are detailed below:
CLUB OF THE YEAR
South Sunderland Swimming Club - Presented by David Harker, Chief Executive of Durham County Cricket Club
The club was formed in 2003, and last year members won 30 medals at the DSE Juniors Competition, with club swimmer, Danny English, setting World and European records in the 100m Individual Medley. Alan Cook, the club's coach, received the award on behalf of the club. He was also nominated for the 'sevice to sport' award for all the work he has done in Sunderland over the years with disabled swimmers of all abilities, ranging from beginners to elite performers.
MALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
John Robertson, from Sunderland - Presented by David Wheldon, Chairman of the North East Royal Yachting Association
John has been sailing since he was a boy. After a motorcycle accident when he was in his twenties he continued with the sport using a specially adapted boat. He has qualified as a member of the Great Britain team for Beijing later this year and recently brought home a Bronze medal from the Rolex Miami Olympic Class Regatta after competing in the Sonar Class. As he was unable to attend the event, his father Ian received the award on his behalf.
YOUNG FEMALE ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Ashleigh Rutherford, from Killingworth - Presented by Derek Priestman, Chair of Sports Aid Northern.
Ashleigh, who is partially sighted, is an active member of the Seaton Burn Action Club, where she plays archery, football, boccia and badminton. She represented North Tyneside in the National Athletic Games and won two gold medals and one silver medal at last year’s Disability National Athletics tournament in Blackpool.
In addition to this, the English Federation of Disability Sport North East region have confirmed that they have again secured sponsorship from npower to run another programme of disability sports events throughout the region.
For further information, please contact Joyce Jones from EFDS on 0191 334 7208.
