Carl Eaton recognised at Lancashire Sport Awards
A celebration of amateur sport in the county took place at The De Vere Hotel, Blackpool on Friday 11 October with a little help from some local sporting heroes. The Lancashire Sports Awards, now in its 12th year showcased local talent, inspiring effort and sporting dedication at a glittering awards ceremony.
Local football legend Jimmy Armfield, Olympic Gold Medal cyclist Steven Burke and Paralympic Silver Medal cyclist Rik Waddon joined the nominees and guests. They helped to announce some of the winners in the eight award categories; School of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Community Club of the Year, Adult Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Service to Disability Sport and the award for Lifetime Achievement.
The eight award categories were judged by Jimmy Armfield, Tom Webster Engagement Officer (North) from English Federation of Disability Sport, Maggie Still from British Equestrian Federation, Sarah Fullick from Sports Coach UK and Adrian Leather from Lancashire Sport.
Jimmy Armfield, Chair of the Lancashire Sports Awards Judging Panel said:
"It was great to see the community spirit that came across in a lot of the nominations. All of us on the judging panel were inspired by all the hard work and dedication that goes into sport in the county. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who contributes to sport in Lancashire."
Almost 400 people attended the annual award ceremony including regional sporting personalities and business leaders, along with the families and friends of the finalists. Guests were treated to a performance from Parklands High School Cheerleading squad Fusion as well as hearing from Steven and Rik on their sporting experiences and what it was like to win a medal in a home Olympics.
Adrian Leather, chief executive of Lancashire Sport Partnership, which organises the annual event, said:
"The level of nominations for the Lancashire Sports Awards surpasses expectation each year and this year's nominees highlight all the fantastic work that is going on in the community- it's a great reminder that people are inspired by sport and are inspirational to others."
Sponsors for the annual event included; Lancaster University, Sport Makers, South Ribble Community Leisure, Funds4Clubs, Serco Leisure, The University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and Thornton Sports.
New in 2013 was the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust Service to Disability Sport award. This is given to an individual, administrator, coach or official who has made a highly significant voluntary contribution to disability sport.
2013 Service to Disability Sport winner - Carl Eaton
Carl set up Skem Men-aces after doing many months of research and identifying that there was not only a need for a football team for adults with a learning disability but social participation was desperately needed as day centres, colleges and meeting places were closing. It started off with coats for goals and a ball, and now it has grown into a club, of 35 plus players, 10 coaches and students doing various courses. The time and dedication Carl has put into the club really showed this year when they came away from the Special Olympics with a silver medal, something that has made the club extremely proud.
Service to Disability Sport Award 2013 Nominees
Phil Butterworth, Burnley
Roheel Ahmed, Hyndburn
Lancaster City Council Sport and Physical Activity Team, Lancaster
Amanda Marriott, Pendle
Marilyn Gregson, Preston - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Carl Eaton, West Lancashire - WINNER
Rebecca Redmon, Wyre
Other award winners and highly commended nominees
Funds4Clubs Community Club of the Year
Winner - JUMP UK Trampoline and Gymnastics Club - South Ribble
Highly Commended - Burnley Gymnastics Club - Burnley
Highly Commended - Preston Freestyle - Preston
UCLAN Coach of the Year
Winner - Colin Robson - Preston
Highly Commended - Kimberley Sharples - Burnley
SportsMakers Young Volunteer of the Year
Winner - Ryan Ashton - Lancaster
Highly Commended - Lucy Briggs - Wyre
Serco Leisure Adult Volunteer of the Year
Winner - Lucy Rudd - Fylde
Highly Commended - Bill Wilkinson - Hyndburn
Lancaster University School of the Year
Winner - St Francis CE PRimary School - Blackburn with Darwen
Highly Commended - Ormskirk School - West Lancashire
South Ribble Leisure Young Achiever of the Year
Winner - Beau Smith - Lancaster
Highly Commended - Niamh Robinson Blackburn with Darwen
Highly Commended - Hannah Pike - Preston
Lancashire Care NHS Trust Service to Disability Sport
Winner - Carl Eaton - West Lancashire
Highly Commended - Marilyn Gregson - Preston
Thornton Sports Lifetime Achievement
Winner - Graham Lawton - Wyre
