A night of stars at Teignbridge sports awards

The team who helped Teignbridge win the Devon Games to Inspire trophy for the first time in a decade have been crowned Teignbridge's Sports Personality of the Year 2013.

The extraordinary efforts of the 40-strong team of managers and volunteers helped ensure the district took home gold at the Devon Games to Inspire event in July.

And their efforts were recognised at the Awards, organised every year by Teignbridge District Council, which were held at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren on Friday 29 November 2013.

It truly was a night to remember and local sportspeople, councillors, sponsors and a host of other guests got together to celebrate sport and the people involved.

The group – all volunteers – gave up their time to be coaches, team managers and officials so young people representing Teignbridge were able to scoop armfuls of medals in individual and team events at this year’s Games hosted by Torbay Council.

Teignbridge achieved five gold medals in the gymnastics, bowls, skateboarding, quick stick hockey and cricket. Silver medals were awarded for boccia (inclusion), tennis, Year 9 & 10 triathlon, High 5 and Year 9 & 10 table tennis. Bronze medals were given to teams competing in boys’ badminton, Year 5 & 6 table tennis, netball, BMX and Year 7 & 8 triathlon.

The district also scooped top accolades in new sports such as boccia - a Paralympic target ball sport where athletes throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court with the aim of getting closest to a 'jack' ball - triathlon and quick stick hockey.

Teignbridge District Council’s Leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers said: “My heartfelt congratulations go to everyone who took part in the Sports Personality Awards. Being shortlisted is an achievement in itself and to take home a first place prize is a hard fought honour for sportspeople across the district.

“It is unprecedented for us to present the main award to a group this big but it is richly deserved. Hundreds of children and young people have been influenced and inspired by these people and they devoted their time, expertise, knowledge and determination to make the Devon Games to Inspire such a success.

“There were some wonderful local achievements at the Devon Games to Inspire. This Award celebrates and captures this outstanding year and applauds the achievements of our Teignbridge residents on a local, regional and national stage.

“Teignbridge has a proud history of providing and supporting sporting opportunities and these awards show just how much sport and leisure means to the communities we serve.”

As part of the evening a special new award was given out. The Jonny Black Award for ‘Going the Extra Mile’ recognised the extraordinary work of any nominee that stands out from the crowd and shows real dedication to a cause.

It was given to Newton Abbot U14’s rugby team who have been raising money for a teammate diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Their fund-raising efforts are being used to help him receive treatment and the balance will be donated to cancer charities including Clic Sargent, Cyclists Fighting Cancer and Richard's Wish in Dawlish.

Cllr Rosalind Prowse, Teignbridge District Council’s Chairman, said:

“It was a touching and inspiring evening and I felt proud to be part of it. We have so many generous people in our communities and this was a great way for us to say thank-you to our sporting community.

“Sport is about so much more than just winning, it is about friendship, teamwork and enjoyment, as well as pulling together through difficult times. Teignbridge is proud to run this event and give people the chance to shine.”

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesperson for Communities, Recreation and Leisure, said:

“After years of nearly winning, coming second by just 1 point, and still smiling, it was marvellous to see what Teignbridge achieved at the Devon Games to Inspire.

“All of them achieved it through grit and determination and it cemented our reputation as a leading district in Devon for sport.

“The Sports Personality of the Year Awards was a memorable one and our thanks go to our main sponsors and media partners: Newton Abbot Races Ltd, Palm FM and the Mid Devon Advertiser - whose support was vital in making it happen - and to our hosts the Langstone Cliff Hotel and Stage Engage for the professional screens on stage.

“Most of all I would like to congratulate all the nominees, their achievements, ambitions, success, support and dedication.
Well done!"

The winners were:

Overall Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year 2013:
Devon Games to Inspire ‘Team Teignbridge’.

Special Award for ‘going the extra mile’
New Annual Award dedicated to and in memory of Jonny Black
Newton Abbot U14s Rugby Team

Senior Sportswoman of the Year
Sponsored by Lamars Home Decorating Limited
Laura Shears (Waterpolo)

Senior Sportsman of the Year
Sponsored by Lamars Decorating Contractors Limited
Barnaby Stentiford (Rowing)

Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Sponsored by Southlands Residential Care Home
Lauren Cole (Badminton)

Junior Sportsman of the Year
Sponsored by Southlands Residential Care Home
Tommy D’Cruz (Athletics)

Young Person’s Services to Sport and Physical Education
Sponsored by Dartmoor Sports Partnership
Chloe Kemp (Newton Abbot Swimming Club)

Sportsperson with a Physical / Learning Disability
Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Newton Abbot
Alex Woodgates (Football)

Coach / Manager of the Year
Sponsored by AC Garage Services Ltd
Jazmine Hervin (Football)

Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Active Devon
Mick Gentile (Football)

MDA Sports Correspondent of the Year
Sponsored by the Mid Devon Advertiser
Paul Lennox, Newton Abbot Recreational Trust

Junior Team of the Year
Sponsored by Intersport Tony Pryce
South Dartmoor Community College U13 Girls Cricket Team

Services to Sport (Education)
Sponsored by Dartmoor School Sport Partnership
Sue Hutchings (Bovey Tracey Primary School)

Services to Sport (Community)
Sponsored by Active Devon
Claire Twitchin (Tri-Hards triathlon group)

Senior Team of the Year
Sponsored by Lamars Decorating Contractors Limited
Teignmouth Rugby Club 1st Team

All the official results are on www.teignbridge.gov.uk/sportspersonalityawards

Winners and nominees will also feature in highlights from the evening on Teignbridge's YouTube channel www.youtube.com/teignbridgedc