Bolton finalists revealed for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards

By GreaterSport | 28 October 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Bolton

For 19 years, Greater Manchester have celebrated the outstanding commitment and achievements made in physical activity and sport across the County through The Greater Manchester Sports Awards and this year’s event is fast approaching. The 2019 event will take place on 15^th November at The Point Emirates Old Trafford.

The 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester hold their own awards and the winners from eight categories are invited to the Greater Manchester event to represent their borough.

We will announce each borough’s representatives over the coming two weeks starting today with Bolton’s finalists. The Bolton Sports Awards were held at the University of Bolton on 20^th September and the winners on the evening who will now represent Bolton at The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are;

Changing Lifestyle Award

For a person who has used physical activity to transform their lifestyle for the better.

Sam Ormrod - Sam is an amazing young man. He has used his own mental health problems to help many people to overcome their demons through exercise and running. His club Sam’s Warriors caters for all abilities. It is fun and extremely beneficial for anyone needing a helping hand to increase activity, get fit and improve their mental wellbeing.

Club of the Year

For a community club or community group who has had an impact in their local community in the given time period. 

Wave Adventure - WAVE Adventure has had a huge impact on a large number of people in Bolton over the past 12 months. It works with a diverse range of people of all ages and backgrounds, offering opportunities to take part regularly and caters for all abilities from beginners to those capable of high levels of personal performance and leadership.

Young Sports Achiever of the Year

This award is for young athletes (aged under 18) who are not professionally funded who have had significant success in their sport throughout the year.

Emily Hesford - Emily has genetic Hypermobility Syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder. Through gymnastics, she has increased muscle mass but unfortunately in 2018 Emily suffered a severe injury during a gymnastics training session, when she broke and dislocated her ankle in three places. In Costa Rica in May 2019 Emily competed in an international competition where she gained four bronze medals competing against clubs from all over the world.

Unsung Hero

This award recognises long term volunteers (over 10 years) who have made a significant difference over that timeframe.

Robert ‘Bob’ Naylor - Bob has played a significant role within Daisy Hill Football Club for many years now, without him it is uncertain whether the club would still exist today. His official title is Club Secretary; however, Bob has also been Treasurer, Bar Manager, Hospitality Manager, Caretaker, Groundsman, Fundraiser, the list goes on! There is no job too big or too small; if there is a job to be done, Bob has done it!

Volunteer of the Year

This award is for volunteers who have given up their time to volunteer over the given time frame. 

Ellie Winnard - Ellie has helped many young people build confidence, make friends and improve skills they did not know they had, regardless of whether this be in her role with AFC Bolton, volunteering with Bolton Council or England Junior Amputee Football Squad. Ellie has such a caring nature; many times when coaching, the kids are reluctant to join in because they may be low on confidence or have low self-esteem. Ellie somehow gets them to join in and go away from session having enjoyed it and look forward to next week’s session.

School Commitment to PE and Sport Award

This award recognises schools that have gone above and beyond in respect to incorporating activity into a school day for their pupils and staff.

Sacred Heart School - Sacred Heart offers a balanced PE curriculum designed specifically for the pupils. Their curriculum runs alongside the national strategy of ‘Head, Heart, and Hands’ encouraging children to be creative, competent and confident. Sacred-heart attends all sporting activities and competitions run by the School Games Organisers in Bolton and the PE team work extremely hard to ensure children have a memorable experience of PE and school sport.

Initiative of the Year

This award recognises a physical activity initiative by an organisation which has made a difference in communities and achieved positive social outcomes.

The Young Mentor’s Programme - The Young Mentors have achieved high levels of activity specific skills in kayaking, rock climbing and bouldering. They have proved to be outstanding leaders; supporting many others to take part regularly. They have taken on responsibility in the development of new programmes, enabling other community groups to take part. The Young Mentors are inspiring peers, siblings, parents, grandparents and other community members to participate in healthy activities on a regular basis.

All finalists will be published here once they are announced.