Bedford Borough Council has announced the winners of this year’s Bedford Borough Sport and Physical Activity Awards. The awards ceremony returned to Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday, December 5, 2022.
There were 280 attendees and Ellie Rattu was guest speaker. The awards are presented by the Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit on behalf of Active Bedford.
The 15 awards are sponsored by many local companies and organisations.
They recognise the achievements of individuals and groups performing in local sports. As well as individual prowess they reward the loyal, selfless work that enables others to experience enjoyment and fulfilment in sports and physical activity.
Nominations were invited from local clubs, schools, county governing bodies and members of the public.
The Winner of the 2022 Adults Personality of the Year is Ellie Rattu. Ellie had a fantastic year in Netball, being selected full-time for the England Roses programme.
Bedford Ladies Tug of War Team won the Sports Team of the Year. They represented England in the World Championships in Holland
The Unsung Hero award was presented to Dave Parratt for his work with hockey. A fellow player said of him, “A quietly driven Club member who seeks no recognition other than seeing the fruit of his labours in such a thriving Club.”
Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “The Sports and Physical Activity Awards, supported by a range of local companies, recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals, clubs and coaches locally. I personally want to thank them all for their much valued contributions and participation – thank you!
“These Awards really do demonstrate the incredible provision of sport we have locally, along with the commitment and work of coaches, clubs, schools and volunteers to help our athletes be their best.”
The judges represent a range of local and County organisations associated with sport and physical activity together with the awards sponsors, partners and local coaches. The merits of each individual or group application were judged according to the criteria listed under each category heading. Prizes were awarded to each category winner.
The winners:
Bedford Hockey Club is Club of the Year, sponsored by Be Active
Bedford Walking Football is Community Club / Group of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Sports Foundation
Great Denham Primary School is Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Times Tables Rock Starts
Goldington Academy is Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit
Gary Cox is Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council
Varun Bandi is Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council
Sean Chigumba received a Special Commendation for Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year
Eloise Cole is Junior Personality of the Year, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park
Stephen Ames received a Special Commendation for Young Volunteer of the Year
Kai Williams is Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Ladies Tug of War Teams won Team of the Year sponsored, by University of Bedfordshire
Dave Parratt is Unsung Hero, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council
Steve Vinnicombe is Coach of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford College Group
Ellie Rattu is Adult Personality of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford Borough Council’s Sports Development Unit
Su Felce is the winner of Service to Sport, sponsored by Bedford Borough Council.
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