Salford finalists for Greater Manchester Sports Awards announced

By GreaterSport | 04 November 2019 | TAGS: GMSportsAwards, Salford

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 Salford Sports Awards were held at the Lowry Hotel on 20^th September and the winners on the evening who will now represent Salford at The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are;

Changing Lifestyle 

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

Lesley Wiszniewski

Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2018, a biopsy operation and a course of radiotherapy, Lesley was placed on long-term medication. Initially inactive, Lesley was reluctant to go into the gym but following her referral to the Can Move programme doing gentle exercise, seven months on Lesley is doing weekly circuit classes, one gym session a week, a Tai Chi class plus swimming. She now feels focused, positive and confident.

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. 

Eccles RFC

Eccles RFC is one of the biggest amateur clubs in Salford with 18 teams for age 7+. The club is celebrating 70 years at Gorton Street and first team promotion to division two in the North West National Rugby Union League. The Senior Colts won their division championship title and the Lancashire and Cheshire Colts League Senior Plate. The juniors had eight boys and six girls representing Lancashire this year.

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.

Joe Stout

Joe swims at City of Salford Swimming Club and after winning five medals at County Championships (three Gold), four at Regionals and two golds at The National Championships, he has flown up the rankings. He recorded the fastest time in 200m Butterfly and became the 2019 British Champion. This year Joe ventured into open water and became the first Salford swimmer to win national titles in the pool and open water.

Unsung Hero

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

Ian Keymer

Ian’s ‘can-do’ attitude is unrivalled. As a hard-working groundsman for the last 25 years, Ian has provided a safe environment for everyone at Cadishead Sports JFC and is always on-hand and willing to support other organisations, schools and allotments. He is out 365 days a year in all weathers checking the facilities to ensure that people get a good game of football and at the same time protecting the pitch.

Volunteer of the Year

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

Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson demonstrates invaluable commitment to Winton Wanderer’s FC by coaching two teams and running the club’s Wildcat programme. He spends countless hours each week coaching and as secretary; he has been instrumental in the revival of the club making it one of the biggest football clubs in Salford. He has grown the girl’s game and developed an ethos that every child has a chance to play football, mentoring new coaches to ensure this continues.

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.

Light Oaks Junior School

Dedicated to outstanding PE and sports provision across many sports the school consults with pupils regularly. Pupils have a dedicated two hours of PE each week and The Daily Mile. Technology is cleverly utilised; iPads capture footage helping with assessment and skill development. The school undertakes intensive teacher training, has ongoing investment in sport, focuses on including active learning in all lessons and has strong links with MCFC and Salford Red Devils.

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.

Roe Green Cricket Club

Roe Green Cricket Club introduced a female only section to widen participation of the game to females in the area. Providing more sustainability for the club whilst also demonstrating to the community that the club is inclusive and diverse. The results are an increase in 25% of player memberships, £4,000 additional sponsorship and a greatly improved overall atmosphere.

For more information on the Awards including a full list of finalists currently announced and 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.