'Building bridges' at Sports for All 2009 - full awards list

Photo: Kirsty Rigg

Sports for All ceremony

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A sense of unity was shared among local people as they joined in celebration of Sports for All Awards 2009.

People of all ages, genders, political and ethnic backgrounds came together at Touchstones Rochdale, to award some of the town’s most gifted young sports people.

But the ceremony was not all about sports, according to the leading politicians and police officers who were present. It was about coming embracing community cohesion.

Paul Rowen MP, Councillors Mohammed Sharif and Jean Ashworth, the Mayor and Mayoress, plus key figures from the fire and police services were among the crowd, who all fell silent to share a one minutes silence for those who have lost their lives in Gaza.

Young people from in and around their borough were awarded for a range of sporting achievements.

Mayor of Rochdale Robin Parker said: “Community cohesion is the key. It is good to see mixed race, mixed gender and a complete mix of people come together like this”.

Community Fire Officer for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Greenwood said: “The people in this room should be proud, not only for their achievements in sport but for increasing confidence in the community”.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif said: “We have such strong cohesion in Rochdale and this event proves that. We are building bridges and long may that continue”. 

The full report and details of award winners will be online on Monday.The full list of winners:

SFA 2008 (five a side) Soccer Aid Tournament

• Winners Sparth FC
• Fair Play Winners: Wardleworth All Stars
• SFA Badminton Winners
  
  Under 13
• Kiera Walsh
• Under 13 Doubles
• Mohammed Bilal & David Matthew
  
  Under 16
• Georgina Davies
• Winner: Mr Haider Ali
• Haider Ali and Remo Datta
  
  Under 19
• Winner: Aftab Iqbal
• Paul Barker & Jamie Morgan
  
  Alliance Trophy
• 2008 Champions: Rochdale Police Team
• Sports & Community Recognition Awards
• Ms Pauline Maher – Manchester Youth Service
• Mr Andrew Entwistle - Manager Link 4 Life
  
  
  Young Sports Achiever Award for 2008
• Kiera Walsh

Services to the Community

• GM Police Chief Superintendent Peter Mason
• Community Fire Officer Phil Greenwood, on behalf of Rochdale Fire Station (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service)