Inaugural sports awards are a major success
The inaugural Harlow Sports Awards was a huge success as sporting stars, volunteers and sponsors from the town descended on the Playhouse Theatre on Wednesday night.
Former England cricket captain Graham Gooch was the host as the town got together to celebrate the best of the area's sporting talent.
The prestigious contest, backed by Sport Essex and Harlow Council, had 11 categories, which were sponsored by businesses and groups including Asda, HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline, Attwater and Liell, Harlow Town FC, Newhall and Stansted Airport.
Ex-Essex captain Gooch praised the Herald for setting up the awards.
"The night was fantastic and it was great to see how many people turned out to celebrate the sports stars and volunteers that do so much for the community," he said. "As an Essex man I was pleased to help out and I really enjoyed it. I think the awards are so worthwhile and it was a big success considering it was the first year."
2008 Winners
Innovative Scheme of the Year
WINNER: All Ability Sport and Leisure
JUDGES felt All Ability Sport and Leisure is a catalyst for all-ability sports within Harlow, which filled a huge gap in the market place.
"We are all about giving everyone access to sport," said Kim Darby. "From youngsters with learning difficulties and physical disabilities and their friends and family we want to give everyone a chance to enjoy sport. It's lovely to be recognised with this award and I hope we can continue to grow."
For details call Neil Mann on 01279 772521 or Helen Offord, Harlow Council's sports development officer, on 01279 446417.
Fit for Business
WINNER: Harlow Council
Harlow Council has created a healthy environment for employees which impressed the judges.
The council has three trained health champions; has held a corporate games plus regular cricket and five-a-side football competitions. There are even plans for tai chi, lunchtime walks and fun fitness sessions using games consoles.
Cllr Simon Carter, deputy leader of the council, said: "This recognises the council's work to improve health and the well-being of staff by encouraging workplace activities during lunchtimes and after work."
Young Community Volunteer
WINNER: Ainee Foo
trampolinist Ainee, 17, has performed well at national competitions and hopes to secure a UK ranking within the next year.
The Leventhorpe School pupil trains four times a week at Harlow Sports Centre, is a level one coach, assists at regional competitions and sits on the Harlow Youth Bank board. She has helped both Flitch Trampolining Club and Harlow Gymnastics Club gain funding.
She said: "It was a big surprise to win and a surprise to be nominated. But I'm pleased I did and I really enjoyed the night. Being on the Youth Bank Board has been great and I would like to carry on."
School of the Year
WINNER: Church Langley Community Primary School
CHURCH Langley Community Primary School has won nearly every sporting competition they have entered in 2007-08.
They were treble winners in football and had successes in rugby, basketball and rounders. They came first in Harlow and District Primary School Sports Association Group Athletics for the fifth consecutive year and were awarded the Active Mark for ensuring children get two hours' physical activity per week.
Headteacher Stacey Ward said: "We are delighted to win such a huge accolade which recognises a year of outstanding achievement for the school in a wide range of sports.
"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mr Stacey and other members of staff who run after school clubs for all their hard work and dedication to Church Langley Primary School."
Community Club of the Year
WINNER: Harlow Penguins Swimming Club
Judges were impressed with the level of adversity Harlow Penguins have had to overcome with the loss of Harlow Town Pool.
They were also impressed with the number of volunteers who support the club with members starting as young as four years old.
Coach Carmen Byfield said: "It's great for the club especially with the problems we have had trying to find a pool. It's important as it's lets people know we are still out there. We lost a lot of swimmers due to the pool closing, but we are starting to build the club up again and this award can only help."
Coach of the Year
WINNER: Carmen Byfield
HARLOW Penguins celebrated once again as Carmen Byfield was crowned Coach of the Year. Judges said as a level three coach she has shown exceptional commitment to her sport, club and members.
Carmen said: "I'm surprised, but so happy as there are so many great coaches in the town who would be worthy winners. I've been doing it since 1978 and I'm still passionate. I'm so proud to be recognised, it means everything to me."
Service to Sport
WINNER: Neil Mann
NEIL Mann has been teaching youngsters to swim at Stewards School for many years.
Judges felt that Neil had shown outstanding dedication and patience, whilst also taking the initiative to source alternative venues off his own back.
Staff at Stewards School recently commended him for his work in ensuring the pool re-opened on time.
Neil also got involved with special needs trampolining while Stewards Pool was being renovated.
He said: "I'm chuffed, I couldn't believe that I was even put forward. The people I work with say thank you to me every day, and you can see the enjoyment in the kids faces as well. That in itself is enough for me."
Disability Award
WINNER: Anne Wafula-Strike
ANNE Wafula-Strike was described as an "inspirational individual". The mother and wife has always found time for others while dealing with her own disability.
As well as her sporting achievements, she works with schools and colleges and is always cheerful even through adversity.
"I'm so humbled to be nominated and to win from the whole town is fantastic," she said. "I hope the awards will encourage and motivate more people and I would love to be back next year to give an award to someone I have coached."
Young Sports Personality
WINNER: James Jennings
JAMES Jennings is a rising star in the darts world and the award caps a successful year for the 18-year-old.
From a darts family, James threw his first 180 aged seven and has played for the Essex youth and men's teams. He represents England in boys' singles darts. In October 2007 he finished fifth in the Winmau Youth World Masters at Bridlington.
"I'm absolutely delighted to win," he said. "My mum, dad and whole family have been great supporting me, and I'm looking forward to the Essex Sports Awards now."
Sports Personality
WINNER: Peter Brown
THE second darts player to be recognised at the awards was Peter Brown, who was excited for the future of the sport in Harlow.
"When James won his award it was great, but I never thought we'd win two!" he said. "Darts never normally gets recognised, so it's nice to get it on the map."
Peter has been a fixture on the Harlow darts scene for years. He turned out for Essex in his youth before representing Hertfordshire A team in the Super League.
Last season he set a new record in the Harlow Industrial and Business Darts League by winning the singles, pairs and masters titles in the same year. He has also served as the league treasurer, secretary and vice-chairman.
Peter dedicated his victory to his parents and his late father-in-law John, who died last year. "He used to love hearing about my darts exploits, and he would have been so happy for me tonight," Peter said.
Lifetime Achievement
WINNER: Jean Pavesi
JEAN Pavesi has been involved in sport within the town for years and is well known by groups across the town including ActiveHarlow and Harlow Sport Centre.
Her main work is with Harlow Town CC where she is the first team scorer. Jean also organises and runs the Harlow secondary school cricket competition at Ash Tree Field.
She is well respected and loved by the club and has shown an outstanding commitment to sport.
Unfortunately, Jean was on holiday in the USA, so was unable to collect her award.