Sporting Heroes Honoured at Alnwick Sports Awards
Michael Henderson
Talented sports stars were rewarded for their 2008 achievements at the annual Alnwick and District Sports Awards which were held at a packed Alnwick Play House.
The evening acted as a firm reminder of how much sporting talent there is in the Alnwick District – from world and European champions to international representatives and up-and-coming stars. The evening also paid tribute to the dedication of volunteers who play a vital role to provide sport to all.
The awards were presented to the sporting stars by Geoff Cook, Durham County Cricket Coach, who commented, “It was an honour to be here tonight to see the level of achievement. The talent across the board isn’t surprising but for it to reach national and world levels of achievement is amazing and testimony to the heritage of the area”.
Over 250 people attended the evening to celebrate the awards evening and enjoyed half time entertainment from ‘Flawless’, a street dance group from
The chairman of Alnwick and District Sports Council commented “I was very pleased with how the evening went” and expressed his thanks to Geoff Cook, Northumberland Gazette, Alnwick Play House, Sports World, Flawless and Sanders Plant and Waste Management Ltd who kindly sponsored the event.
The service to sport award was won by Dave Penny for his involvement with Alnwick Rugby Club. He summed up the awards night by saying “these awards are not about one individual but about the collective spirit, teamwork and dedication of many people”.
Michael Henderson won the Northumberland Gazette Sports Personality of the Year Award for his achievement of becoming a British Autocross Champion and said, “It feels fantastic to have won. I want to thank everybody who voted for me. It is really appreciated”.
A list of all the winners can be viewed below:
Senior Female – Tamsin Green – Surf Kayak
Senior Male – Tom Vickers – Cricket
Junior Female – Lucy Staniforth – Football
Junior Male – Sam Dronsfield – Gymnastics
Junior Achievement –
Senior Achievement – Frances Anderson – Channel Swimmer
Most Improved Sports Person – Emma Pringle – Athletics
Junior Team –
Senior Team – Shilbottle Colliery Welfare FC
Volunteer of the Year – Rod Munday – Longhoughton Rangers FC
Coach of the Year – Julie Fenwick – Hockey
Service to Sport – Dave Penny -
If you would like any more information about the Awards Evening or about Alnwick and District Sports Council, please contact
