Daventry recognises its sporting talent

This year the quality of the nominations was hailed as outstanding, with many of the finalists competing at a national or international level.

The awards ceremony took place at the Saxon Suite in Daventry Leisure Centre on Thursday, October 9.

Local MEP Chris Heaton Harris dished the awards out, while members of the Kate Fishers Dance Academy performed three routines and The Jackson White Tae Kwon Do School amazed everyone with some sensational sparring.

The Winners were:

Sportsman of the Year – Mike Smallwood

Mike is the best in Britain, third in Europe and fourth in the world in the 60 to 64 age group category for Triathlon, which is a contest of a 1500m open water swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. 

Sportswoman of the Year – Angela Copson

Angela only started running two years ago, but this year she broke the over-60 UK marathon record with a time of 3 hours and 16 minutes.  She also achieved the World Record at the Howice 5K.

Young Sportsman of the Year – Hugh Brayshaw

Sailor Hugh had a successful 2007 when he qualified for the Topper National Squad and had an intensive winter of training. Hugh's talent has been recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) who have now moved him up to the next level of development.

Young Sportswoman of the Year – Poppy Roach

Poppy is a member of the British Show Jumping Association.  She has competed both nationally and internationally and has represented The Pony Club at Area Team competitions for the past three years.

Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year – Henry Pickering

Henry has cerebral palsy and recently swam for Leicestershire and Rutland Youth games. He twice came first, was in second place once, and also came fourth in the relay. 

Junior Sportsman of the Year – Kyle Cherry

Kyle has been playing badminton since he was three and now represents Northamptonshire County. He is the National Championships doubles winner and is ranked fifth in the national singles championship.

Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Izabelle White

Izabelle, aged 7, has been practicing Tae Kwon Do for two years, achieving her green belt blue tag. To date she has participated in the English Championships, South Midlands Championship and Welsh Championships.

Coach of the Year – Jason O Farrell

Jason has been the manager of the under 12’s football team for four years and is 100% committed, supportive and encouraging to his players. He is also involved in raising funds for equipment for the team.

Contribution to Sport – Barry Fenn and Diane Clark

Between them they have run Daventry Athletics Club (DAC) for years and this dedication has now been recognised. They coach over 100 members and spend their weekends at events supporting their athletes.

Club of the Year – Daventry Town Football Club.

DTFC has risen from the ashes. The club has put together 19 teams ranging from Under Sevens to Seniors, whilst also providing free football training to Junior and Secondary schools within the town

The awards this year were brought forward to enable the winners to be put through to the County Sports Awards, and then hopefully onto Regional and National Awards. 

Those that were successful in getting to the final against other nominees from around the county were Mike Smallwood, Angela Copson, Hugh Brayshaw, Poppy Roach, Henry Pickering, Kyle Cherry, Izabelle White, Barry Fenn and Diane Clarke.

These awards take place on November 6 at Kettering Conference Centre.

Flowers and table decorations were also raffled off for the chairman’s charities, with £130 being raised for The Alzheimer’s Society, The Northamptonshire and Warwickshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Nurses.

Councillor Chris Millar, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “On behalf of Daventry District Council, I would like to congratulate all the award winners for their tremendous contribution to sport in the area.

“The quality of the nominations was outstanding and everyone can feel rightly proud of what they have achieved.”