Local sporting heroes were crowned victorious last week at the annual Ealing Sports Awards.
Run in partnership between Ealing Council and Everyone Active, the ceremony took place at William Perkin Church of England School in Greenford and was well attended, with special guests including Sky Sports presenter Marcus Buckland and 2018 British Gymnastics champion Brinn Bevan handing out awards and speaking.
The annual Ealing Sports Awards is aimed at recognising the talents and achievements of the borough’s multitude of sports clubs, inspirational volunteers and fantastic sporting individuals.
Following a borough-wide call to find and honour those who have contributed to the health and well-being of local residents and towards sport locally, 156 nominations were received across the nine categories. View a gallery of photos here.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, the council’s cabinet member for finance and leisure, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and all the nominees this year. It just goes to show the array of talent that we have across our borough. With dedication, hard work and focus anything can be achieved and our sports men and women are a testament to this. The importance of these awards cannot be understated because it gives us the opportunity to recognise the talent around us and I hope that our residents are inspired by these successes that have been achieved and we have even more applicants next year.”
It was a successful night for Ealing Swimming Club’s Leah Whittaker and Dave Heathcock, who picked up the Junior Sports Person of the Year and Coach of the Year awards respectively.
Leah said: “Oh my gosh, I don’t believe it. I am so proud to have won, thank you so much. This is a huge achievement for and the club that I have been with since I was six years old. Swimming is my everything and I will keep on doing what I do because I love it and want to compete at the Olympic Games.”
Everyone Active contract manager, Phil Edwards said: “Everyone Active is committed to providing a range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be more active within their local community, and we were delighted to host this event again in partnership with Ealing Council to celebrate those who also share this passion.
“It is important to recognise and celebrate local sporting talent and we would like to congratulate all those who took part, both nominees and winners. We hope others will be inspired to get involved next year.”
The winners on the night were:
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Saad Ahmad, Pace Charitable Trust
Junior Volunteer of the Year
Priyahnga Arunasalam
Inclusive and Active Award
Joint winners – PACE Charitable Trust and Fred Burley
Junior Sports Person of the Year
Leah Whittaker, Swimming
Adult Sports Person of the Year
Elias Poorman, Basketball
Junior Sports Club of the Year
Ealing BMX Club
Sports Club of the Year
Actonians Sports Club
Coach of the Year
Dave Heathcock, Ealing Swimming Club
Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Maureen Cronin, ESC Northolt Phoenix
View a gallery of the winners collecting their awards here.
