Chichester District's sports stars recognised at awards ceremony

The ceremony, held on Saturday night (23 June), coincided with international Olympic Day.

The Youth Sport Achievement Awards are the biggest celebration of sporting achievement in Chichester District. Over 400 people enjoyed the ceremony at Westgate Leisure, Chichester.

Organised by Chichester District Council, in partnership with the Chichester Observer and Chichester Priory Rotary Club, the award scheme has been running since 2000. It was developed to recognise:

• sporting excellence among local young people; and,
• the commitment of coaches, volunteers, and supporters across the district.

The main award of the evening was the Dennis Polhill Award for individual youth sport achievement. The winner of this award, as voted for by readers of Observer series, was Ben Chrystall. Ben, a young sailor, moved into Laser class at 15 and represented Great Britain at the 2011 Laser Youth World Championships in La Rochelle. He has now been selected to represent Great Britain in the European Laser Standard under-21 championship in Belgium.

The Team of the Year Award was awarded to Chichester City Under-18s football team. The team is characterised by an incredible team spirit, where performance is always about the team rather than individuals.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sally Walker of Dragonflyers Trampoline Club. Sally, the club's Treasurer, helped to save the club when it was in danger of closing last year. She takes on many roles to help support the club including administration, spots at trampolines and helping at competitions.

The Coach of the Year Award was awarded to Stewart McKenzie, a volunteer coach at Chichester Runners and Athletics Club. He helps trains the runners several times week and travels to support the runners in all running disciplines.

Winner of the Young Persons Commitment to Sport Award was Max Wiseman. From the age of seven, Max, now aged 17, has been involved with local youth football teams. Although a full-time student, he still finds time to coach young people in Selsey several nights a week. The Sussex FA awarded Max the FA Young Leader and Volunteer Award in 2011 at the FA Community Awards and it has also awarded him with a scholarship for a coaching course.

The Outstanding Sports Performance of the Year Award was presented to George Hendrie. George, a fencer, is a member of the Great Britain squad. In the last 12 months he has won two Commonwealth medals, one gold and one silver.

The Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award went to Ivan Western. Ivan, a member of West Wittering Sailing Club, has helped to develop the club's junior section. He uses a week of his annual leave to organise and run an annual week of activities for over 60 youngsters between eight and 15-years-old.

Awards were presented by Cllr Graham Hicks, Vice-Chairman of Chichester District Council, Cllr Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, Steve Bone from the Chichester Observer, Bob Syme, president of the Rotary Club of Chichester Priory and Graham Jessop also from the club.

Cllr Lintill said: "Congratulations to everyone! The district should be very proud. We have a great many outstanding sports stars, coaches, and volunteers. It was fitting that these awards should be presented on international Olympic Day. Who knows, some of these young people may, in the not too distant future, be competing themselves for their country at the highest level in future Olympic Games!"

Date: 26 June 2012

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