TALENTED sports stars have been rewarded for their efforts as a prestigious awards scheme celebrates its 40th anniversary.
A gifted table tennis player took the top honour as a string of prizes were presented to Darlington’s best sports stars from more than 60 nominations.
Darlington Sports Winners Scheme began 40 years ago as a way of recognising and encouraging sporting prowess.
Sponsored by car dealership Sherwoods, Darlington College, Darlington Borough Council, Tees Valley Sport, Darlington Rotary Club and Paul Bielby Masterskills Academy, the programme culminates in an annual awards ceremony hosted by the college.
Sherwoods managing director Alasdair MacConachie told a packed audience: “We are delighted to support such a worthy organisation that has such wide-spread appeal.
“This ceremony is something special as it is recognition for everyone involved in grassroots sport.”
Sports Winners Scheme committee member Brian Dobinson added: “It is something very special to get to 40 years and it is great to be able to mark the work of those involved who work tirelessly for the benefit of our young people.”
Hosted by Healthy Darlington’s Emma Reah and Paul Foreman, prizes were presented by editor of The Northern Echo Peter Barron, chairman of Darlington Rotary David Heaton, Jean Lordon, of Tees Valley Sport, director of Adult and Children’s Services Suzanne Joiner, mayor Tom Nutt and Coun Andy Scott, who has Darlington Borough Council’s portfolio for health.
Winner of winners was Longfield Academy of Sport table tennis player Thomas Rayner, who collected the Ron Lewis Award and the Primary Sports Achiever accolade after winning numerous competitions and devoting hours to his training.
He said: “I love table tennis and to get two awards just for playing seems incredible to me.”
Other winners were: Secondary Sports Achiever, Taekwondo expert Stephen Johnson, of St Aidan’s Academy; Disability Sports Achiever, wheelchair basketball player Stephen Johnson, of St Aidan’s Academy (**same name but different students); Primary School Team Award, Mount Pleasant tag rugby team and Red Hall athletics squad; Secondary Team Award, Carmel biathlon team; Under 11s Team/Club Award, Darlington under 11s cricket team; Under 17s Team/Club Award, Darlington Harriers NEYDL team; Over 17s Team/Club Award, Haughton Cricket Club; Service to Sport Award Under 17, gymnast and netball coach Maxine Baillie-Harland; Service to Sport Award Over 17, PE co-ordinator Lesley Brown; Mulheim Trophy, St Aidan’s Leaders; Lifetime Achievement Award, netball coach Sarah Lough, who runs Darlington Headlanders.