Inspirational people celebrated at this year’s Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards

Unsung heroes and inspirational community groups celebrated recently as the annual Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards ceremony returned, highlighting the achievements of people, clubs and organisations working in sport and culture across the borough of Rochdale over the past 12 months.

The awards shortlist is compiled from nominations submitted by the community of individuals, clubs and community groups, with the winners chosen by a panel of independent judges which includes key people within arts, health, education, culture, sports and community support in the borough.

The judges had the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category from the fantastic achievements of nominees over the past 12 months.

 

 

Rochdale’s very own tar of stage and screen, Sue Devaney, hosted the prestigious event held at Heywood Civic Centre with 200 people attending. A total of 17 awards were presented on the night to celebrate the rich diversity of skill, dedication and commitment shown day-to-day by local people.

The winners in each category were:

• Artist of the Year: Parvez Qadir
• Changing Lifestyles Recognition: Alan Phipps
• Community and Education Project: Rochdale Schools Linking Project
• Community Club of the Year: Alkrington Tennis Club
• Cultural Champion: Rick Walker
• Cultural Event of the Year: Darnhill Festival
• Culture and Health Award: Creative Health and Wellbeing Art Group
• Cultural Facilitator of the Year: Erica Matthews
• Disability Physical Activity Champion: Myron Szymanskyj
• Initiative of the Year: Roach Dynamos
• School Commitment to PE & Sports: Caldershaw Primary
• School Commitment to Arts, Heritage and Culture: Harwood Park Primary
• Unsung Hero: Martin Collinge
• Workforce Advocate: Elaine Stott;
• Volunteer of the Year: Ste Connellan
• Young Creative Award: Alina Akbar and Kiwi Shore (joint winners)
• Young Sports Achiever of the Year: Blaine Bennett

Andy King, Chief Executive at Your Trust, the charity behind the awards said: “We’re really proud to have hosted this special event and are delighted that the awards have returned this year after a couple of years break due to the pandemic. It was a fantastic night celebrating the heroes of sport and culture across the borough.

“We know that sport and culture played a big part in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents throughout the pandemic and it’s important to recognise the contribution that local people, clubs and groups make to the community. Our congratulations go to all winners and shortlisted nominees”.

 

 

Councillor Susan Smith, cabinet member for communities, culture and co-operatives at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Sports and Culture Awards makes me extremely proud of the outstanding people that we have within Rochdale borough. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening recognising the outstanding achievement and incredible dedication of local people and honouring the community champions who do so much to support local residents.

“I’d like to congratulate all winners and nominees, and also say a big thank you to all those involved in making the Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards event possible”.

If you know an inspirational individual, club, school or organisation, make sure you nominate them for next year's awards when nominations open early in 2023.