Swimmers, gymnast and a man who has dedicated 40 years to developing basketball in the city were among those honoured in the City of Liverpool Sports Awards.
The awards ceremony was held at the Town hall in an event sponsored by Liverpool Mutual Homes and marked a year of sporting success for the city’
Swimming achieved a trio of awards. Georgina Evans, of Garston Swimming Club and City of Liverpool Swimming Club was awarded the Young Sports Person award. Sixteen year old Georgina has recently been promoted on to the Great Britain World Class Podium Potential programme for Rio 2016 after recently retaining her National Breaststroke title and representing Great Britain in the World Junior Championships in Dubai.
The Young Volunteer of the Year went to Jennifer Leith, also of City of Liverpool Swimming Club. Jennifer has taken various ASA teaching qualifications so she can assist on the poolside and has now progressed to studying at the University of Liverpool where she is representing the University Water Polo squad.
The Sports Volunteer of the Year went to John Guest of Garston Swimming Club. John has been volunteering the club for over 20 years and has developed a unique partnership with Lifestyles Garston. In a voluntary capacity John organises swimming provision for schools, community learn to swim, adult swim lessons and other aquatic activities providing a seamless link for anyone to progress to Garston Swimming Club.
The Sports Coach of the Year was awarded to Ian Robson, a cricket coach at Liverpool Cricket Club. Over the last six years Ian has helped develop the junior section at the club from one team to over 125 young players. Ian is also coach to the City of Liverpool Under 11 team and has played his part in helping five players from Liverpool CC to represent Lancashire County in 2013.
HPL Gymnastics Club crowned a fantastic year of achievements by being awarded the Sports Club of the Year. The club, based at Lifestyles Peter Lloyd, are now in their 10th year and cater for over 120 young gymnasts.
The display team have been seen at many shows across Liverpool and achieved success in the recent British Ministrada held at Lifestyles Everton Park. The club has strong links with the City of Liverpool Centre of Excellence with both gymnasts and trampolining representing their club, county and region in National competitions.
The final award went to a man who was recognised for over 40 years voluntary work with Toxteth Tigers Basketball programme. Manneh Elliott (pictured above)
has worked with senior men’s and women’s teams, girls and primary school children. Providing a positive role model for many young people across Liverpool Manneh has helped youngsters further their education through university or their careers through basketball scholarships in the USA and Europe. He has recently been recognised nationally for his work with a Barclays Community Sport Award and was presented with the City of Liverpool Lifetime Achievement in Sport award.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar, who hosted the Town Hall ceremony, said “I would like to congratulate the winners in this marvellous sporting city of Liverpool and also extend the congratulations to the support network around the winners who without it they couldn’t dedicate so much time and effort.”
Martin Jones, from Liverpool City Council Sports Development Unit said: “Without the dedication and commitment of so many volunteers many achievements made in sport would be impossible. These were fitting rewards and a great way to recognise the time and effort put in by so many.”
