The borough’s rising sports stars have been honoured at the sixth annual South Ribble Sports Awards.
The glittering ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Leyland, celebrated the achievements of South Ribble’s sporting heroes and their clubs. A talented Latin American formation dancer; a dad who began helping out the local rugby club when his son joined, but ended up running it; and a young volunteer who leads her group in dance activities were among those honoured.
Dancer Natasha Hall was named rising star of the year this year re-named The Lewis Balyckyi Award after a previous winner.after impressing judges with her talent and dedication in Latin American formation dancing. The 15-year-old has won two Junior British Open Championship titles this year and, along with her team, has qualified to the World Championships being held in Lithuanialater this year. Natasha also reached the finals in Sky1’s TV show Got to Dance… and all while studying for her GCSEs!
Lewis Balyckyi won the award in 2008 for his achievements in cycling, but was tragically killed in a road traffic collision during a training ride. The award will now bear his name to inspire others and so that his determination and commitment to his sport will never be forgotten. Winners were announced in nine categories: special recognition, school leadership, Lewis Balyckyi rising star, young volunteer of the year, coach of the year, club of the year, lifetime achievement, special recognition schools award and active zone young person of the year. Guest speaker on the night was local martial arts expert and actor Mark Strange, who has represented Great Britain around the world in kung fu and has also appeared in a number of films alongside martial arts star Jackie Chan.
This year’s awards saw more than 140 people joining Mayor and Mayoress of South Ribble, Councillor Jim Marsh and Susan Marsh, for a gala dinner. Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Jim Marsh, said: “This evening was all about celebrating each and every one of the wonderful sports clubs in South Ribble that help keep our borough thriving when it comes to sporting excellence. “What really stood out was the number of people who dedicate their time and energy to making sure we have a range of clubs in almost any sporting discipline you can think of. I would like to say a big well done to everybody who was nominated for an award and tell them to keep up the good work.”
Winners
- Special recognition – Lee Scanlan
- The Lewis Balyckyi Rising Star Award 2011 – Natasha Hall
- Young volunteer of the year – Trudy Holland
- Coach of the year – Stuart Almond
- Club of the year – Longton Victory Memorial Sports and Social Club
- Lifetime achievement award – Sandra Rimmer
- School leadership award – Jordan Smith
- Schools special recognition award – LeverHousePrimary School
- Active Zone young person of the year – James Reynolds
