Just days before Britain’s top athletes recorded their biggest medal haul in World Indoor Championship history, the 15th Active Wandsworth Awards celebrated a successful year of sport across the borough.

On Thursday, March 8, young and old members of the community were rewarded during a ceremony at the Town Hall for their sporting performances and/or involvement in supporting physical activities. With over 200 guests in attendance to see the presentations.

The Sports Person of the Year Award – 21 years and under – was given to rising Judo star Adam Hoshal, who has established himself as the Under 20 GB number 1.

Diver Rosie Cardoe completed an impressive 2011 by being recognised as Sports Person of the Year – 13 and under – having won national age group titles on the high board.

Picking up the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award, Lesley Gairns, from Spencer Hockey Club, was recognised for over 15 years of helping develop the junior hockey section – as well as supporting a number of facility redevelopments at the Fieldview site.

Twelve volunteers from eight different clubs and organisations were recognised with the Voluntary Services to Sport award for their dedication in helping to make grass roots sport develop and thrive.

Jaden Davidson-Cameron was recognised as the Young Volunteer of the Year for supporting a wide variety of local events, clubs and competitions which led him to volunteer at last summer’s Olympic Beach Volleyball test event.

Putney High School Under 13 Floor and Vault Gymnasts (pictured left) were named Team of the Year, having finished fourth in the national finals in 2011, whilst, the Balham Blazers Football Club, who only celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2011, were recognised as the Sports Club of the Year.

Wandsworth Amateur Swimming Association won the Mayor’s Award for introducing a structured swimming programme for young people with disabilities.

Coach of the Year went to Ashley Trodden for his achievements in establishing the Malory Eagles Sitting Volleyball Club – and being the assistant coach on the British Paralympic Sitting Volleyball team.

The final two awards recognised achievements at the 2011 London Youth Games. Swimmer Ross Dibblin and Tim Livingstone jointly received the David Burns Award for their individual performances at the games and Wandsworth Girls Hockey Team won the JWE Davis Award, having won the overall title for the first time in their history.

The audience also heard about how Wandsworth plans to celebrate 2012, with the Get Active Wandsworth Festival – providing a wide variety of programmes from April 18.

 

March 14th 2012