Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire’s sporting stars shine at awards

Added: (Tue Oct 20 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - The fifth annual Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sports Awards has been held at the Ricoh Arena.

The event, organised by Coventry University and supported by a number of regional partners, aims to recognise sporting achievement at all levels across the region.

Rowena Cole, from Tile Hill, Coventry scooped the Young Sportswoman of the Year award at the event which was attended by over 300 people.
The 17-year-old runner said: “This is a very nice feeling, I don’t know how to describe it, and I am very honoured.

“I also want to send a big thank you to my coach, my family and my sponsors, including Band Hatton Solicitors, for all the time and support they have given me.”

Deaf badminton player Rajeev Bagga, from Bell Green, Coventry was named Sportsman of the Year.

The 42-year-old world number one was recognised for his efforts on the court over the past 12 months.

“I’m surprised, I never thought I would win and I would like to thank everyone who helped me to get where I am.

“It is not winning that is important, it is important that young people are encouraged in sport.

“Us older people have had our time and it is time younger people got their chance now!”

Brad Thompson, a volunteer at Christ the King Football Club, picked up the Unsung Hero award, Longford Short Football Academy received the Community Sports award, while the British Transplant Games, which was held in Coventry, was recognised as the Sporting Occasion of the Year.

Basketball legend Mike Maddox was rewarded for committing over 40 years to the sport with the Lifetime Achievement award.

Aaron Cosgrove, from Round Oak Special School, in Lillington, Leamington, received the Schools Sports Partnership Secondary School Award.

The 16-year-old runner, who has regional honours in the 100m and 200m in the top divisions of Special Olympics Competitions and the EFDS West Midlands Meet, said: “I am really pleased and shocked to get this, I have had to work really hard to get this award.

“If it wasn’t for my dad and my trainer I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“Now I want to work on improving my 100m time and put some real work into my 200m as well.”

The event is managed by a representative group of seven key partner organisations lead by Coventry University and including BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, University of Warwick, Coventry and Warwickshire 2012 Partnership, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sport, Coventry City Council and Coventry PE and School Sport Partnership.

The event was sponsored by Elite Therapy, Henley College,Simpson Financial Services, Deeley Properties, Heart of England Community Foundation and Carr of Nottingham.

The full list of winners:
Rhys Walker (Young Sportsman of the Year)
Sarah-Jane Perry (Sportswoman of the Year)
Rajeev Bagga (Sportsman of the Year)
Rowena Cole (Young sportswoman of the Year)
British Transplant Games 2009 (Sporting Occasion of the Year)
Daniel Waddingham (Higher/Further Education Sportsperson of the Year)
Olton & West Warwicks Ladies (Team of the Year)
Aaron Cosgrove (Schools Sports Partnership Secondary School Award)
Mike Maddox (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Longford Short Football Academy (Community Sports Award)
St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School (Schools Sports Partnership Primary School Award)
Russell Earnshaw (Professional/Community Coach of the Year)
Cannon Mags (Junior/School team of the Year)
Brad Thompson (Unsung Hero)

ENDS


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