Unsung sporting champions to be recognised at Greater Manchester Sports Awards

Greater Sport

The 2016 Greater Manchester Sports Awards will take place at The Point, Emirates, Old Trafford, on Friday 4 November. The awards will see the local winners from across all 10 local authorities come together with a chance of becoming Greater Manchester winner.

Olympic and Paralympic Medalists Nicola White, Kadeena Cox, Claire Cashmore, Bianca Walkden and Callum Skinner will be special guests on the night and share their experiences and inspirational stories whilst congratulating the local finalists and winners on their ongoing achievements.

Chief Executive Yvonne Harrison commented: “Here at GreaterSport we are really excited for this year’s Greater Manchester Sports Awards. It is such a rewarding evening, celebrating the achievements and sporting successes of Greater Manchester residents, highlighting the very best of community sport and celebrating the fantastic people behind the scenes. Without individuals like these, sport would not be what it is today in Greater Manchester and GreaterSport are passionate we celebrate these individuals.”

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

Coach of the Year Sponsored by Why Sports– Garry Smith

Garry has delivered the Bridgeability (Disability) programme for over 20 disabled youngsters a week. Garry is Bridgeability, without him it simply would not exist. It is his vision, drive and determination that has taken it to where it is today 10 years on from when it was first considered. It has been a long and challenging road, but one Garry has always stayed focused on.

Club of the Year Sponsored by Rapport: The People Activation Agency – Rochdale Lacrosse Club

Rochdale Lacrosse Club is a very proactive club engaging local schools and the School Games Partnership, offering coaching to schools, supporting and developing new competitions, providing equipment and training for teachers and coaches in the local area.The club have a robust coach development programme over seen by a Level 3 coach and includes 6 level 2 coaches and 15 at level 1.

Volunteer of the year sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University – Dave Robinson

Dave can be found at Bridge JFC up to 4 nights a week plus Saturdays and Sundays, and now he’s retired he’s there even more! He is treasurer, kit co-ordinator for 27 teams, organizer of the annual presentation of trophies for 350 players and site manager for 10 pitches. Dave is the driver behind a lot of what the club offers and sets standards for others to follow.

Unsung hero of the year sponsored by Manchester United Foundation – Beryl Birch

Beryl has been involved in the Rochdale Ladies Rounders League as Chair for over 20 years. She has made a real difference by inspiring players of all ages and backgrounds to play to the best to their ability. Beryl gives up several nights a week to ensure that amongst other things all games run smoothly, referees are available and the pitches are marked out. She also chairs the monthly meetings to share best practice.

Sports Achiever of the Year Sponsored by Total Gymnastics Academies – Matthew George

Matthew has represented England at an international swimming meet in Italy where he competed against teams from Germany, Russia and the host nation. He is in the England Talent programme which helps to assist and nurture talented athletes. Matthew is totally committed to his swimming and manages to balance a heavy training regime with educational studies.

Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year Sponsored by Mills & Reeves – Azeem Amir

Azeem has been playing in the National Blind League for Merseyside Blind FC. He is an ambassador for 'Playground to Podium' supporting disabled sports in schools. He ran Manchester 10k in under 1 hour with a sighted guide and was chosen to play for Merseyside Blind FC at a national level requiring weekly training. Azeem regularly travels to Liverpool, Hereford and Manchester in order to play Blind Football.

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award Sponsored by Worksmart Vpa – Tracey Szymanek

Tracey works as an inspirational instructor on the Activ8teme programme in the local community with adults with disabilities, arthritis and diabetes. She inspires people to carry on exercising and walking with some entering 5k and 10k runs which they never would have attempted without her help . Tracey makes every person feel special, nothing is too much trouble and all her classes are fun.