Sporting stars scoop awards for outstanding achievements

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The Awards Ceremony, held at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground and hosted by John Inverdale, was a stark reminder that the London 2012 Olympics are fast approaching and that Lincolnshire has so much talent that could go on to represent Great Britain at the Games.

East Lindsey District Council, which put forward a number of nominations across the categories, puts a strong emphasis on health improvement and sports development. This proactive work has given local people many opportunities to live a better quality of life with some outstanding results. The District Council also runs a programme to support potential future athletes from the District, many of whom received awards this year.

Leader of East Lindsey District Council and 2012 Champion for Lincolnshire, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, is delighted: “The 2012 Steering Group for Lincolnshire is working hard to ensure our county benefits from the Olympics Games. The Awards Evening has recognised local people and local athletes who dedicate their life to sports with so much success. We know there are more examples of success out there and we must not forget all the volunteers who give so much of their time to support the success of our clubs. Whether you’re a parent running the line at a football match on a Saturday afternoon, or you keep score at the cricket, you’re part of this success too.”

Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, Janet Inman, said: “The Lincolnshire Sports Awards 2010 were a huge success. As well as recognising some of our top sportsmen and women from across the county, the awards thanked volunteers, coaches, clubs and individuals whose lives have been impacted by sport and physical activity.”

Award categories with East Lindsey finalists and their positions: -

Active for Health

• Maureen Carringon-Hunt (Winner) won for losing 9 stones in weight since joining the District Council’s HEELERS exercise referral scheme at Mablethorpe. She has seen improved health and fitness to live a better quality of life.
• Lily Gurbutt (Runner Up) for her positive participation in FAB kids and how she promotes the scheme to others encouraging new participants to attend.
• Ron Henson (Runner Up) for his total lifestyle change since joining the District Council’s HEELERS programme at Mablethorpe. Ron now actively helps other residents to become fit by being a volunteer health walk leader in Mablethorpe and has ambitions to lead a walk along the Viking Way.

Parish Council/Local Authority

• East Lindsey District Council (Runner Up) for the positive impact its Health Team has on the wellbeing and lifestyle of people living in the District.
• Ingoldmells Parish Council (Runner Up) for Cllr Len Hemingway who has brought intergenerational activity to Ingoldmells by setting up a New Age Kurling club.

Sports Volunteer of the Year

• James Brook (winner) from Louth for the successful development of the Louth Storm Basketball Team based at the Meridian Leisure Centre. The club has become Lincolnshire’s first ever England Basketball Association accredited club. James is now busy developing a girl’s team.
• Lynne Lamb has been instrumental in reviving the Mablethorpe Marathon. As treasurer, volunteer co-ordinator and countless other roles. Lynne helped deliver a hugely successful event, attended by 600 competitors from across the UK in October.

Coach of the Year

• Paul Walden (Runner Up) from Louth Town Football Club. Paul has transformed Louth Town into one of the most successful teams in the region. Last season Louth Town won their league by 9 points and were named Central Midlands Team of the Year.

Young Sportsman of the Year

• Ashton Turner (Runner Up) is from Alford. At 14 years old, Ashton has spent 2010 successfully competing against national and international competitors who are often significantly older than he is. In 2010 Ashton has reduced his golf handicap to 0 and become Lincolnshire County Champion at U14 and U16 levels.
• Robert York (Runner Up) from Skegness has won the national windsurfing title in November 2009 and has gained selection into the GB squad. He is currently ranked 11th in the world.

Sportsman of the Year

• Duran Reynolds (Runner up) from Skegness has come a long way from Chapel Swifts junior section. In July 2010 Duran signed a 3 year professional contract with football league team Dagenham and Redbridge.

Sportswomen of the Year

• Bernice Wilson (Runner Up), East Lindsey District Council Sports Officer, is continuing to make progress towards her ambition of appearing at London 2012. This year she became the fastest British sprinter over 60m as well as winning 37 events.