Npower North East Disability Sport Achievement Awards 2006
The fifth North East Disability Sports Achievement Awards, sponsored by npower, took place on the 25th June 2007 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 eight different awards categories which recognised the achievement of junior and senior disabled sports people, sporting clubs, coaches and volunteers during 2006.
During the award ceremony npower pledged to support EFDS in the North East for a sixth year – and their donation has again been matched by the Government scheme, Sportsmatch. Patrick Bonner, EFDS Regional Development Manager, was presented with a tremendous cheque for £27,000 to increase grassroots development within the North East and continue the work of the npower active programme.
The winners from Tyne & Wear are detailed below:
Club of the Year
Gateshead Kestrels – Presented by Jon Lewis, Durham Cricket Coach.
A multi-sports club based in the Gateshead area, the Kestrels operates out of three venues and works with more than 30 schools, providing countless hours of sporting opportunities in an amazing list of sports every week. In just one year the Kestrels have managed to achieve 60 Gold, 55 Silver and 34 Bronze medals. A Sportsmatch bursary of £200 was presented to the Kestrels.
Other Sportsmatch Bursaries
Actionnaires Sunderland - Presented by Jon Lewis, Durham Cricket Coach.
The Actionnaires Sunderland is a club for visually impaired children. Their activities include archery, athletics, judo and even scuba diving. The judges were especially impressed by the Actionnaires’ attitude and undaunted pride after finishing last in a national goal-ball tournament.
The Tuesday Club - Presented by Jon Lewis, Durham Cricket Coach.
The Tuesday Club, at John Spence Community High School (North Tyneside), provides opportunities for youngsters with both physical and mental disabilities. A range of activities are offered within the supportive and friendly atmosphere of the club.
Both clubs received financial rewards to assist in their provision of sporting opportunities.
Young Female Achiever of the Year
Jasmine Doyle – presented by Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, Paralympian.
Jasmine attends Woodlawn School in Monkseaton (North Tyneside), and at only 13 years old has managed to gain several honours in both gymnastics and athletics. Her achievements in 2006 included a gold medal for her Special Needs Pairs Routine at the Regional Championships for gymnastics and two golds and a silver in the DSE Junior Athletics Nationals.
A financial reward was presented to Jasmine to assist in her training, equipment and competition costs. The bursary was provided through a charitable donation by the Freemasons to the EFDS.
For further information, please contact Joyce Jones on 0191 334 7208.
