Bury finalists for 2019 Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport logo | 29 October 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Bury

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.

The Bury Sports Awards were held at the Bury Town Hall on 18^th October and the winners on the evening who will now represent Bury 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.

Katherine Edge

After receiving results that her health was at risk from increasing weight gain, a fatty liver, and arthritic knees, Katherine joined Slimming World and the gym. She attended the gym three times a week plus Swimming World twice, Katherine has now dropped three dress sizes and has far more energy, feels happier, her self-worth has improved and her wardrobe has been completely renewed! She has better body confidence and walks everywhere with a spring in her step and a smile on her face!

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. 

Rammy Men Football Club

Rammy Men provide walking football and football sessions for men with mental health issues. The club runs casual sessions for over 80 men three days a week, it has drawn attention from the BBC News at Ten and the FA due to its unprecedented successes. The organisation came from nowhere a year ago to now providing Bury with a flagship project which is really starting to make waves nationally.

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.

Berri Neil

At the age of 16 Berri has just been selected to represent England under 19s netball team, in a competition in New Zealand. Berri trains roughly six times a week to compete at this level and over the last 12 months has won four competitions with different teams, including U16s Club Nationals with Oldham. Berri also coaches and is engaging the next generation.   

Unsung Hero

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

Kath Pemberton

Kath has been involved in the netball community for over 50 years. She founded YMCA Bury Junior Netball Club 30 years ago and is still on the ground coaching today. Kath has been a player, coach, umpire, tutor, committee member and team manager. Kath is very passionate about netball and the variety of roles she has done over the years shows her dedication to the sport.

Volunteer of the Year

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

Ken Buggie

Ken has given over 110 hours of his own time to support a local football team ‘Bury Relics’ that originally started off as a recreational 50+ walking football group. Ken researches, develops and organises training sessions, helps source funding / sponsors for kit and equipment, along with playing and training himself. He attends community events, hosts coffee mornings and curry nights. Ken is now the Greater Manchester lead for walking football.

Workforce Advocate

This award recognises an individual that has used physical activity or sport within their professional role to have positive impacts.

Deborah Bancroft

Deborah has always gone above and beyond to promote the benefits of physical activity professionally and personally. Outside of her full time role as an Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner, Deborah has dedicated research into the physical activity pathways specifically Bury Exercise and Therapy Scheme (BEATS). She has delivered Making Every Contact Count training to external organisations that her service sign posts into and championed new activities which herself and her team can sign post into to enhance patient’s recovery. 

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.

Park View Primary School

Park View provide multiple extracurricular opportunities and have updated their assessment for P.E which is now more vigorous. They provide pupils with various opportunities to achieve their 60 active minutes of exercise through The Daily Mile, daily movement within the class; including brain breaks, stretching, yoga poses and lots more. Park View also compete in 12 different competitions ranging from climbing to boys / girls football.

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.

Bury FC Womens Vets

This initiative started as a womens recreational fitness / soccercise / walking football session one night a week. Six months on 50+ attendees ranging from ages 19 - 57 turn up twice a week. The initiative has given women confidence, improved mental health, supported weight loss, created new friendships and give them a sense of belonging.

For more information on the awards including how to purchase tickets please visit www.greatersport.co.uk/awards. The winners will be announced on the evening and shared on twitter using #GMSportsAwards.