Celebrating Sporting Success in Congleton
Past and potential future Olympians were amongst those attending the first Congleton Sports Awards held in Congleton Town Hall to celebrate sporting success in the town during this Olympic year. During the awards evening talented Congleton youngsters received more than £3, 200 worth of bursaries donated from local businesses and individuals to help talented future sports or cultural stars living in Congleton develop their skills. Others received medals and certificates celebrating their success or involvement in sport.
The evening was organised by Team Congleton, a local group which has brought people together to have fun and celebrate sport. Team Congleton’s President, Ann Brightwell said: “The Congleton Sports Awards and Bursaries evening was a great success and I would like to thank everyone involved. We are fortunate to have so many talented youngsters, generous companies and dedicated individuals in the town. We would love the Sports Awards and Bursaries to be repeated next year and become a lasting legacy of this great Olympic Year.”
The top female bursary of £500, donated Reliance Medical and Pecks Restaurant was awarded to Ella Amare, (9) . Ella gained a silver medal in floor and bronze in the vault at the National Gymnastics Downs Syndrome Competition in 2011 and has been selected to represent the NW Regional Team competing at the National Special Olympic Games 2013.
Benjamin Arkle (12) was awarded the top male award of £500, sponsored by Mr and Mrs J Beardmore. Benjamin is in the top 1% of swimmers in his age group in the country – finishing 2nd at 100m breast stroke and 11th in for 200m. He has a place in the GB talent camps for 2012-13.
Natasha Henshaw – (6) is already working towards level 9 at trampolining and trains at Stoke. Her coach says she has great potential. Sponsor Moody Street Dental Practice
Team Congleton were also able to present seven other bursaries worth £250 each to the following talented young people.
Thomas Arkle (15) – is in the top 15 in the Country in his age group for swimming and regularly qualifies for the National Championships. He trains for 17 hours a week. Sponsor Burns Garage.
Emily Henshaw (16) Coaching and playing football – plays for Sandbach United Ladies in the Cheshire County League Division One. Most improved player in 2011/12. Sponsor Meadowside Medical Centre
Jarad Jackson (9) –is a talented at gymnastics and ballet. He trains 14 hours a week and has gained a training place with Elite Team in Men’s Artistic Training. He has been successful at many regional and national competitions and his ultimate goal is to be an Olympian in 2020 in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. Sponsor Hammond McNulty
Amy Mae Rodgers (12) Has been selected for the Everton’s U13 Ladies football team – but also plays hockey, netball and cricket. She aims to get into the U15s training team by the end of this year. Sponsor Wright and Morten
Megan Sheard (11) trains 5 days a week at three different swimming pools and is ranked in the top 3 swimmers in the County for her age group. She is aiming to get to the Nationals at Sheffield in July 2013 and eventually be part of the Team GB swimming squad. Sponsor Whittaker and Biggs
Dominic Stafford (15) Came 10th in the Modern Biathlon in the National Championships in 2010- and aims to win the Summer Series for the Cheshire Team in cross-country and athletics. Sponsor Fire Bright Solutions
Team Congleton received over 30 applications for the sporting bursaries and the eight people on the panel had a difficult task deciding which of the talented people most deserved the awards. Applications were judged on time and dedication given to their sport, the level they have achieved at their sport, and how much difference the applicant said the funding would make to them. Applicants had to live in CW12 and be under 18 years old.
Two cultural bursaries were given from an anonymous individual to recognise development in the arts. These were given to:
Beth Evans and the Eaton Bank Team – to continue to produce a school newspaper and develop journalistic talents. £400
Amber Barnett (13) a talented and gifted dancer £100
Team Congleton also recognised those clubs and individuals who work so hard to give Congleton people opportunities in sport. Awards were given to
Inspire Play Award – Istvan Kaplan – Congleton Lawn Tennis
Young Volunteer of the Year – David Barnett – Tsuki-No-Kokaro Ju-Jutsu Club
Volunteer of the Year – Nigel Kinge, Macclesfield and District Canoe Club
Young Sports Achiever – Chloe Doggett (Highly Commended Dominic Stafford)
Coach of the Year – Lee Campbell – Boalloy Running Club (Highly Commended Suzy Williams from Quinta School)
Club of the Year – Boalloy Running Club
London 2012 Award– Eaton Bank Academy (Highly Commended Boalloy Running Club)
Special Recognition Award – Myrtle Larman – Tsuki- No- KoKaro Ju Jitsu Club (Highly Commended Boalloy Running Club)
Special guests at the Awards night included Ann and Robbie Brightwell, who spoke about what it was like to achieve Olympic medals. Jazmin Sawyer, who carried the Olympic Torch through Congleton and is a 2016 Olympic hopeful having gained a bronze medal for long-jump at the World Youth Championships in Barcelona this summer. Chris Barton and Ailsa MacArthur who both live in Congleton and carried the Olympic Torch also attended.
