Ceremony celebrates sporting success

Buy photos » Wychavon District Council chairman Richard Morris with Pershore Pheonix Dragon Club members Jonathan Small, Jamie Forrest and Pauline Young. The club won the Sports Club of the Year award. (s)

PERSHORE Pheonix Dragon Boat Club have capped off a fabulous year in style by being crowned Wychavon Sports Club of the Year.

The club, formed in 2007, were presented with the award at Wychavon District Council's Sports Recognition Awards at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Wednesday, September 19.

The event, held every year, recognises the sporting talent and achievements across the district during the past year.

Pershore Pheonix Dragon Boat Club have made significant strides during the past year winning the National Standard Dragon Boat Racing League and several club members took part in the first ever Venice Canoe and Dragonboat Festival earlier this year. .

The club also had the honour of being selected to take part in The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames back in June.

Other Vale winners included long distance runner Emma Gooderham who won Senior Female Sports Personality of the Year after she gained the world record time for her age category in the 50km World Trophy Final last year.

Harry Sykes of Croome Hunt Pony Club and Pershore Swimming Club won Junior Male Sports Personality of the Year after representing England at the Pony Club National Championships. Harry is also ranked first in Worcestershire at 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke in swimming.

Talented swimmer Tazmin Pugh of Pershore Swimming Club was crowned Junior Female Sports Personality of Year after a fabulous past twelve months winning 15 trophies and 75 medals.

Ben O'Brien from Vale of Evesham School was awarded the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year gong for his commitment to sports and travelling to competitions up and down the country as well as being an inspiration to those around him.

Evesham Rowing Club's Abi Penrose won the Volunteer of the Year award. The 21-year-old teaches girls aged between 13 and 17 at least four days a week and supports them all the way during competitions, making her a fantastic role model.

And John Gregson from Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club won the Outstanding Contribution award for his commitment in coaching members of all ages in water sports since launching the club 27 years ago.

Chairman of Wychavon District Council, Coun Richard Morris attended the awards ceremony and said it was vital for Wychavon to build on the legacy of London 2012.

"It’s been a really exciting and inspirational year for sport on a national level with the huge success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and also on a local level too," he said.

“We have been busy helping people create their own lasting legacy by teaming up with local clubs, groups and other community organisations to organise 29 Community Games events, attracting 50,000 people and over 1,000 volunteers.

"We have also managed to attract over £10,000 of external funding to try and get young people aged 14-25 back into sport, and have also organised two Olympic Torch Relays over five different locations."

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