Sports personalities from across the county descended on the home of Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park on Thursday, February 17m for the Devon Sports Awards, organised by Active Devon, the county sport partnership.
Competition was stiff with 31 finalists covering over 20 different sports competing in just 10 award categories. The nominees shortlisted covered a variety of important roles such as volunteers, officials and coaches – the driving force behind the scenes that help develop athletes in the county, coming from backgrounds including sports clubs, coaching sessions and community initiatives.
The winner of the Outstanding Contributor to Sport Award, sponsored by Team Devon, was Perry Sprung from Exeter who has single-handedly raised the profile of disability cricket in the county in just 20 months by setting up and running a Devon Disability Side. He has already secured £15,000 in funding for Devon Disability Cricket and through his ‘can do’ attitude; he has inspired other local volunteers to run a Devon Deaf Team in 2011.
Perry was delighted at winning. He said: “I am very honoured to be amongst nominees who have achieved so much this year. I’m so pleased to win but didn’t expect it in my first year. The Devon Disability Side is branching out in terms of the groups we are working with and we are seeing results, with our first four qualified cricket coaches.”
Perry also took home the Volunteer of the Year Award highlighting a true dedication to sport in Exeter.
Tim Jones, chairman of Team Devon, sponsor of the Outstanding Contributor to Sport Award said: “The importance of volunteers in supporting Devon’s athletes, sports people and amateur players should not be underestimated. Volunteers and coaches are especially vital in developing the passion and skills required by sports people to achieve participation and ultimate success in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are delighted to work with everyone who is encouraging achievement in sport and culture. These awards recognise both achievement and ambition in addition to motivating others to raise aspirations.”
Other category winners included:
Official of the Year – Stephen Bishop of Tarka Tennis Centre
Young Coach of the Year – Robin Shute of TSW Juniors Underwater Hockey
Young Volunteer of the Year – Morgan New of Langtree Reunites Netball Club
Newly Qualified Coach of the Year – Jack Howden of Kingsbridge RFC
Physical Activity Volunteer of the Year – Jean Green of Dawlish Diva’s
Coach of Disabled Performers – Ian Vosper of Devon Racqueteers
Senior Male Coach of the Year – Kevin Sellar of Plymouth Amateur Rowing Club
Senior Female Coach of the Year – Dotty Allan of Tavistock Athletic Club and Bere Alston Trekkers
Neil Roberts, chief executive of Active Devon added “We ensure the Devon Sports Awards are firmly on our calendar each year to acknowledge all those unsung heroes across the county who offer their time and expertise, more often than not for free, for the good of Sport in Devon.
From those that train and develop our athletes to those who wash kits and ensure playing facilities are clean and safe, every one of them plays a valuable role and is integral to the continuing development of sport across our county”.
Fin Barnes of 5-a-day Fitness, who sponsored the Young Volunteer of the Year Award, said: “5-a-day Fitness are proud to be sponsoring the Young Volunteer of the Year award 2011 and feel that the finalists and winner truly represent all that is positive and inspirational in sport today.”
Nomatinations
Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Team Devon
Kevin Curran (East Devon) Cricket
Perry Sprung (Exeter) Cricket
Sheila Radgick (West Devon) Swimming
Young Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by 5-a-Day
Zoe Gray (Teignbridge) Trampolining
Louise Hooker (Teignbridge) Hockey, Netball, Rounders
Rachel Short (Teignbridge) Badminton
Morgan New (Torridge) Netball
Physical Activity Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Team Devon
Jean Green (Teignbridge) Dance
Anne & Bob Hughes (Teignbridge) Walking
Margaret Silver (Teignbridge) Dance & Walking
Ruth Boyne (Torbay) Wheelchair Dancing
Senior Coach of the Year – Male
Paul Bounden (Exeter) Wheelchair Basketball
Kevin Sellar (Plymouth) Rowing
Phil Burford (Teignbridge) Rugby
Mark Wickett (West Devon) Football
Senior Coach of the Year – Female
Katrina Venner (Torridge) Netball & Gymnastics
Dotty Allan (West Devon) Running & Athletics
Sue Hammond (West Devon) Football
Young Coach of the Year
Hollie Greenaway (Exeter) Netball
Rhiannon Lawrence (Plymouth) Fencing
Jake Durant (Teignbridge) Cycling
Robin Shute (Teignbridge) Underwater Hockey
Coach of Disabled Performers
Paul Bounden (Exeter) Wheelchair Basketball
Perry Sprung (Exeter) Cricket
Ian Vosper (Exeter) Wheelchair Badminton
Kevin Titchard (Torbay) Football
Newly Qualified
Jack Howden (South Hams) Rugby Union
Ryan Grant (West Devon) Roller Hockey
Ruth and Anna Russell (West Devon) Roller Hockey
Official of the Year
Julia Harvey (Exeter) Netball
Stephen Bishop (North Devon) Tennis
(image: Perry Sprung from Exeter, who raised the profile of disability cricket in Devon)
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