WREXHAM celebrated its cream of sporting talent at a glittering ceremony last night.
More than 300 players, coaches, volunteers and dignitaries turned out for Wrexham Sports Awards at Brymbo Sports and Social Complex.
The event was hosted by Chris Hughes from Wrexham Sport Development, and presentations were made by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham and Deputy Mayor, Cllr David I Bithell.
Evening entertainment included performances from Wrexham Boxing Club and a routine from Sky 1’s Got to Dance finalist Tom Hughes-Lloyd.
Guest speaker was John Morgan, executive director of Disability Sport Wales, who reflected on a successful sporting year, made special by Wrexham Olympians Tom James, Chris Bartley and Vicky Thornley.
The awards, now in their ninth year, have broken the record for the most nominations ever received from the sporting community.
Wrexham Council leader Neil Rogers said: “The strength of this year’s winners can only serve to bolster Wrexham’s position as the sporting capital of North Wales.
“The annual Wrexham Sports Awards provide us with an opportunity to congratulate Wrexham’s top performers while also recognising the outstanding network of the coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, all in the name of community sport.”
Leisure and activity officer Ken Danskin added: “Wrexham Sports Awards is now well established on the local sporting community calendar. We continue to be encouraged by the new sports coming through and the strength of the record number of nominations we have received this year.
“Judging by the calibre of tonight’s winners, we will have a lot to celebrate this year with local athletes and teams receiving recognition at a regional and national level.”
A raffle on the night raised funds for Nightingale House Hospice, as well as Aim High and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
l For more pictures of the awards, see Monday’s Leader.
l Junior sports personality of the year – Aled Goddard (Sailing)
l Senior sports personality of the year – Hannah Thomas (Athletics)
l Disability sports personality of the year – Laura Watson (Cricket, Athletics and Badminton)
l Junior volunteer of the year – jointly awarded to David Higgins and Dylan Gallanders (Young Gold Sports Ambassadors)
l Senior volunteer of the year – Peter Jones (Swimming)
l Primary school contribution to sport award – Victoria CP School
l Secondary school achievement award – Maelor School, Penley
l Sportsmanship award – Jacqui Walker (Rugby League, Union and Gymnastics)
l Coach of the aear – Ian Davies (Karate)
l Club of the year – Brickfield Rangers Football Club
l Team of the year – Wrexham Boys Relay Squad (Wrexham Swimming Club)
l Unsung hero – Laura Poole (Athletics)
l Arnold Griffiths service to sport award – Tim Flack (Cricket)