SPORTING heroes were recognised at the fifth annual Get Berkshire Active Awards at the Hilton Hotel in Reading.

The awards identify people that have excelled in a sport or physical activity setting during the previous year. They not only recognises sporting excellence, but also those who make sport or physical activity happen in the community.

The event saw 13 people, organisations and clubs receive awards and was attended by 350 people including Olympians, Paralympians, Mayors and local MPs.

This year saw a very special guest attend in Giselle Ansley MBE. The Olympic gold medal-winning hockey star inspired the guests during her question and answer session on stage.

Brett Nicholls is Chief Executive Officer at Get Berkshire Active. He said: “We promote active lifestyles and manage a number of local and national campaigns to encourage physical activity.

“This challenge is made easier by the hard work and dedication of many people across Berkshire, and these awards is an opportunity to reward their commitment.”

Ciaran Crean is project manager for the Get Berkshire Active awards. He said: “The awards is a fantastic way to make the contribution that volunteers make to sport and physical activity in Berkshire.

“This was our biggest awards yet with more categories, winners, shortlisted nominees and more nominations that ever before.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough Town physio Kevin McGoldrick, right, received at Lifetime Achievement award from Get Berkshire Active.

“Thank you to all the award sponsors who allow this event to happen, and most importantly the general public who are working hard to get Berkshire more active.”

Royal Windsor Rollergirls won the Community Club of the Year prize, an award voted for by the public, and head coach Cleo Timney was shocked to win.

She told the Observer: “We’ve never been nominated for any Get Berkshire Active award before so I was really shocked to actually win.

“We knew there was tough opposition in the category, with big and loyal fan bases, whereas we’re just starting.

“The league forced 10 years ago, right at the start of the roller derby boom in the UK, which encouraged people to pursue the sport. Some people likened it to a cult. It’s not that sinister but it does hook you in.

“People from any background, religion or creed are welcome to come along and give it a go, partake in the sport.”

Timney added: “We currently run two teams and recently joined in with the UK Championships. It’s a new venture for us but we aim to do well in those.

“The league gives you a feel of friendship and belonging, and we’re keen to build on that with social events. We want to get to know the diversity in the group and attract new people to the sport.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Junior Sports Personality of the Year award winner, Katie Crowhurst.

“We currently have 60-70 active members with different roles within the club and league.

“We’re really focused on recruitment at the moment and had our biggest intake in January. We hope to capitalise on this and introduce the sport to many people across Berkshire.”

Katie Crowhurst, 12, is a visually impaired para-swimmer and won the Junior Sports Personality award for her successes in the pool.

The Cox Green School pupil trains every day and dreams to compete for Great Britain in the Paralympics.

In 2006, Crowhurst won seven gold medals at the Berkshire & South Bucks County Championships, and broke the British record in the S13 200m butterfly.

She also qualified for four finals at the British Para International competition.

The Wycombe Swimming Club member won three medals at the South East Regional Championships and reached five finals at the ASA Nationals, with the best position being a bronze medal.

Cameron Roberts is junior programmes and lead strength and conditioning coach at Wycombe Swimming Club. He said: “It’s fantastic that Katie has been recognised for this award, especially after the year she has had in swimming.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Outdoor Education Project girls group won the Youth Engagement Project of the Year award.

“From winning county, regional and national championship medals, to breaking her own 200m butterfly British record.

“Katie has had a brilliant year in the pool and is only getting stronger from here.

“She has great commitment to her training, through her attendance and approach to each training session. She works very hard and has the drive to push herself.

“When it comes to races, Katie is then very professional, through listening to advice pre-race, which is clearly focused on throughout the swim, but also making sure she gives each race her absolute all.

“The focus she applies and the effort she puts in is then rewarded through her numerous medals and records, but also the Get Berkshire Active Junior Sports Personality of the Year award.”

Nomination for the Get Berkshire Active Awards 2017 will be opening in September. If you would like to sponsor an award please call 01628 473031.