Champions of Ashfield recognised at Sports Awards

Active Ashfield recognised and rewarded some of Ashfield’s outstanding achievements over the past year at the 2016 Active Ashfield Awards at the Festival Hall Leisure Centre in Kirkby in Ashfield.

Four of Ashfield’s Olympic and Paralympic Athletes collected a Rio 2016 Achievement Award – Ollie Hynd, Charlotte Henshaw, Becky Downie and Ellie Downie (pictured).

Ollie Hynd received the Disabled Sportsperson Award and was also presented with a golden sign replicating the street signs installed to mark his Double Gold medal, record breaking performances at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Team GB gymnast, Becky Downie collected the Sportsperson Award, whilst younger sister Ellie lifted the Junior Sportsperson Award, along with Holly Felton from Ju-Jitsu.

 Legendary England cricketer, Enid Bakewell was rewarded with a well-deserved Service to Sport Award, alongside Richard Dawson from Ashfield Rugby Club.

Four young Sports people also received a cheque for £500 each from the Harold Farr Bequest Fund: Holly Lounds, Ellie Downie, Lauren Atherton and Holly Felton.

The event included performances from Active Ashfield Factor winners, Julian and Ethan Payne.

Other award winners were:

Team – Ashfield Ladies Rugby

Primary School Award and Medal Shield – Croft Primary

Secondary School Team – Ashfield 

Coach – Louisa Chatwin (Ice Skating) and Kate Pearson (Gymnastics)

Young Coach – Rhianne Lounds (Gymnastics)

Volunteer – Chris Whittaker (Ashfield RUFC) and Dr Adam Connor (Falcon Swimming Club)

Junior Volunteer – Nicole Smith (Gymnastics)

Change 4 Life Award – Louise Watson

Junior Disabled Sportsperson – Meg McFarlane (Ice Skating)

Club Award – Kirkby Portland Cricket Club

Active Ashfield Club Awards – Ashfield Allstars (Silver) and Brierley Pond Fishing Club (Silver).

Special Achievement Awards – Hettie Chambers, Clive Morris, Jackie Younger, Brierley Forest parkrun and Hucknal Junior parkrun.

Councillor Jim Aspinall, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Ashfield District Council said, “The Council has a firm commitment to Health and Wellbeing in the district. The Active Ashfield Awards recognise the many talented sportspeople in Ashfield for their outstanding achievements, both locally and at world-class Olympic and Paralympic levels.

“I am thrilled that these awards also put the spotlight on those who work so hard behind the scenes making sure there are so many different opportunities for people to get active in the district”.

Volunteer nominee, Jodie Binch, from Brierley Forest parkrun said, “A huge thank you to everyone who made the awards evening so fantastic. It was amazing to see so many talented and inspirational people in our area”.

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