Inspirational people celebrated at Rochdale Sports and Culture Awards

By Your Trust Rochdale | 14 December 2022 | TAGS: Rochdale, Awards

The inspirational achievements of people, clubs and organisations working in sport and culture across Rochdale over the last 12 months have been showcased at the Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards.

Alkrington Tennis Club picked up Community Club of the Year while Caldershaw Primary School lifted the School Commitment to PE & Sports Award in front of 200 people at Heywood Civic Centre.

Myron Szymanskyj was named Disability Physical Activity Champion with 17 awards presented on the night to celebrate the rich diversity of skill, dedication and commitment shown day-to-day by local people.

The returning awards, hosted by Sue Devaney, continues to play an important part of the Rochdale Borough community calendar and shine a spotlight on the work of people in the Borough.

The shortlist was compiled from nominations submitted by the community based on achievements of individuals, clubs and community groups over the past 12 months, with the winners chosen by a panel of independent judges which includes key people within arts, health, education, culture, sports and community support in the Borough.

The judges had the difficult task of selecting one winner in each category from the fantastic achievements of nominees over the past 12 months.

Andy King, Chief Executive at Your Trust, the independent charity behind the awards said:

"We’re really proud to have hosted this special event and are delighted that the awards have returned this year after a couple of years break due to the pandemic.

"It was a fantastic night celebrating the heroes of sport and culture across the borough.

"We know that sport and culture played a big part in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of local residents throughout the pandemic and it’s important to recognise the contribution that local people, clubs and groups make to the community.

"Our congratulations go to all winners and shortlisted nominees”.

Cllr Susan Smith, Cabinet member for communities, culture and co-operatives at Rochdale Borough Council, said:

"The Sports and Culture Awards makes me extremely proud of the outstanding people that we have within Rochdale borough.

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening recognising the outstanding achievement and incredible dedication of local people and honouring the community champions who do so much to support local residents.

"I’d like to congratulate all winners and nominees, and also say a big thank you to all those involved in making the Rochdale Borough Sports and Culture Awards event possible."

Full list of winners:

• Artist of the Year: Parvez Qadir
• Changing Lifestyles Recognition: Alan Phipps
• Community and Education Project: Rochdale Schools Linking Project
• Community Club of the Year: Alkrington Tennis Club
• Cultural Champion: Rick Walker
• Cultural Event of the Year: Darnhill Festival
• Culture and Health Award: Creative Health and Wellbeing Art Group
• Cultural Facilitator of the Year: Erica Matthews
• Disability Physical Activity Champion: Myron Szymanskyj
• Initiative of the Year:  Roach Dynamos
• School Commitment to PE & Sports: Caldershaw Primary
• School Commitment to Arts, Heritage and Culture: Harwood Park Primary
• Unsung Hero: Martin Collinge
• Workforce Advocate: Elaine Stott
• Volunteer of the Year: Ste Connellan
• Young Creative Award: Alina Akbar and Kiwi Shore (joint winners)
• Young Sports Achiever of the Year: Blaine Bennett