 Some of the brightest young sports people in Christchurch have been honoured at the annual Sports Achievement Awards held at the Civic Offices, but there were so many winners this year that further awards ceremonies took place at 2Riversmeet Leisure Centre for Seagulls Swimming Club and Twynham School. A total of 58 people received awards in rowing, sailing, swimming, taekwondo, surfing, water polo and pistol shooting. Gold medals, which represent international performance standards, went to Rob Spencer, Adam Butler, James Rusden, James Spencer, Max Holloway and Phil Sparks, all of whom achieved amazing results in sailing events at an international level. Golds also went to Twynham School students Chris Readman, for air pistol shooting, and Alex Poole for surfing. There were 17 silver awards, representing national performance standards, and 30 bronze awards, representing county or regional performance standards. Awards for dedication to sport went to three members of Christchurch Rowing Club who between them had 110 years of service to the club. Mike Wall has served as an oarsman and coach for nearly 40 years, has been Club Captain several times and helps to run the two club regattas every year. Steve Aldridge has been an oarsman and coach for 30 years, has also been Club Captain on several occasions and coaches junior members of the club. Mike Chester has served the club in many roles for 40 years and, although a non-rowing member, gives as much dedication to the club and the sport as any competitive oarsman. The Awards were presented by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg, who commented: “I am really impressed by the levels of achievement shown by our sports people. To have so many of them operating at national and international levels is something that Christchurch can justifiably feel proud of.” |
