Unsung sporting heroes to be recognised

GreaterSport - Greater Manchester Sports Partnership logo

The 2014 Greater Manchester Sports Awards sponsored will see the local winners from across all 10 local authorities come together with a chance of becoming Greater Manchester winner.

Former Great Britain 400m Olympian Iwan Thomas will be guest speaker on the night and share his experiences whilst congratulating the nominees and winners on their ongoing achievements.

Below is a full list of nominees who will be representing Rochdale.

Coach Of The Year - Karen Carter

Karen coaches at Rochdale Triathlon Club every Thursday evening for beginners to intermediates. She also delivers ad-hoc sessions to athletes above and beyond the requirements of the club. Karen’s social warmth and sensitive approach ensure steady and constant progress so that individuals become confident and talented athletes. Karen has a terrific way with people and this is seen with how often members want to train at her sessions.

Club Of The Year - The East Lancashire Road Club

This club has experienced substantial growth in the last year with membership growing on a weekly basis to the envy of many other cycling clubs. The club encourages, facilitates and supports all forms of cycling and boasts a senior team, junior team, a ladies only cycling group and are now looking to develop a disability section. The club prides itself on developing cycling activities to suit everyone’s ability.

Volunteer Of The Year - Bryan Woodcock

Bryan is a volunteer at Rochdale Company of Archers and also at County, Regional and National levels. He can be found coaching archery when he is not doing any of the other volunteer roles like cleaning, repairing, setting outdoor ranges, liaising with the media, organizing club calendar, chairing committees, planning future events . He doesn’t appear to understand the words “haven’t time” when it comes to his sport.

Unsung Hero Of The Year - David Trippier

David started cycling with the East Lancashire Road Club at the age of 15 in 1972 representing over 40 years involvement in the sport of cycling. He puts in many hours every week into the affairs of the club representing the ‘over and above’ effort being applied at present. He has been instrumental in raising the membership to over 100 strong and ensuring the club develops cycling activities for all.

Sports Achiever Of The Year - Molly Howell

Molly is a windsurfer who competes at World and National Level. She has been on the RYA zone squad and is on the list for possible selection to the national squad for next season. Molly races in the UKWA events all year round and this year has started to get in the top 5 ladies. Molly is totally committed to her sport and is always smiling when taking part.

Disabled Sports Achiever Of The Year- Daniel Wain

Daniel has recently earned himself the title of 3rd BC1 Boccia player of Great Britain which is a fantastic achievement as he only started playing at National level since December 2013. Dan loves his sport and even gave up Powerchair Football so he can become fully committed to Boccia. Dan also captains Rochdale’s Boccia team and has recently qualified as a Boccia Coach and regularly helps at sessions.

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award - Roger Varnom

In 1995 Roger had a stroke which affected the right side of his body. Following an 8-week rehabilitation session and a 12-week GP referral programme he went on make himself a member of Link4Life gym. He also attends a Walking Football session and is now a regular player of the Walking Football squad. Since taking up an active lifestyle he now sleeps better, has improved circulation and is more confident.

The awards will take place at The Point, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, on Friday 7 November.

Yvonne Harrison, Chief Executive of GreaterSport, organisers of the event, commented: “The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are a key highlight within our annual calendar. It is a fantastic evening, celebrating the very best of community sport and the impact this has to help us change lives across our region.”

Iwan commented: “I am delighted to be part of the Greater Manchester Sports Awards this year. It is fantastic to see those behind the scenes in sport are being recognised for the work they are doing.”