Four Community Sport volunteers received Special Recogniton Awards at the 7th Annual Bradford Sports Awards, held for the first time at Life Centre Events in front of over 500 guests, a record for the event.
Margaret Simpson, from Horizon Taekwondo, Dennis Flaherty representing Wibsey Athletic, Andrew Shepherd from Campion AFC and Mike Abbott from Bradford Olympian Trampoline Club have all shown long term commitment and dedication to their club and their chosen sport. The winners received their awards from Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe the leader of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the main event sponsors.
Keighley Cougars were the big winner from the professional clubs, after their unbeaten league season in 2022. The Cougars were awarded, Performance Club of the Year, Sporting Highlight and Coach of the Year. International Mixed Ability Sport (IMAS) received the new Diversity
and Inclusivity Award and Volunteer of the year was Alex Walmsley for his work in creating and running Sands United, a programme
supporting men who have been affected by baby loss.
A Special Judges Award was presented to Ashraf Wallace for his incredible fundraising efforts that have seen him running marathons
all over the world, raising funds for charity.
Charles Dacres and James Mason co-chairs of Active Bradford, the event organisers said, “It was a truly inspiring event celebrating all that is
good about sport across the Bradford District from the professional clubs to the unsung heroes – the volunteers and administrators.”
“We would like to thank all the sponsors for their support that enabled us to stage the event and to provide free places for all finalists – City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, JU:MP, Living Well, Leeds Trinity University, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Bradford Ice Arena, University of Bradford in partnership with Bradford City, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, the Broadway Bradford and Bradford 2025.”