Tenth Sports Awards evening acknowledged as a ‘glittering affair’
The tenth annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2016 took place on Friday, a glittering affair which showcased a wide range of sporting excellence across Pembrokeshire.
All the pictures can be seen here:
The glittering ceremony at Folly Farm, organised by Ben Field and his hard-working staff at Sport Pembrokeshire, was attended by more than 600 guests, and hosted by Bill Carne and Councillor Huw George, who were introduced by Steve Thornton of sponsors Valero, with every nominee supported by photographs or video tapes which highlighted the huge range of sporting activity in our county.
The awards were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by the Western Telegraph, Valero, Radio Pembrokeshire and Folly Farm, with all the terrific photographs generously supplied by Bev and Ian Richards of Pembrokeshire Photography!
Councillor Elwyn Morse, cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said the evening had been a triumph.
“The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards are a true celebration of sport in the county at every level – from the all-important grassroots to those who achieve international success,” he said.
Lifetime achievement for Geraint John
The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Welsh rugby stalwart Geraint John, who was presented with his award by Geoff Williams, Head of Sport at BBC Wales.
Originally from Haverfordwest and a former pupil of STP School, Geraint has enjoyed a global rugby career and is a key member of the team shaping the future of Welsh rugby today.
As a youngster, he played for the county schools team and senior rugby for Llanelli, Cardiff and Bridgend.
He was the most capped ‘B’ international ever before a coaching career with Llanelli, Cardiff Blues and the Welsh national side.
A former High Performance Manager of Canada, and Australian Sevens coach at The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Geraint was appointed to the Executive Board of the WRU in January as its Head of Rugby Performance.
Geoff said: “Geraint’s late father Uri, a Whitland hooker, would have stood ten foot tall this evening, and his mum, Perlys and the rest of his family are justifiably proud. Despite his achievements, he remains modesty personified.”
Special recognition for Richard and Dean
Deserved special awards winners were Richard Parker and Dean Haines, who were presented with the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award 2016 by Councillor Tony Brinsden, Chairman of the Council.
Richard Parker, from Milford, suffered two strokes and a brain haemorrhage, and as part of his rehabilitation was referred to the Pembrokeshire Disabled Bowlers Club.
Since then, as a result of hard work and determination on Richard’s part, his mobility has improved immensely along with his ability to play.
Richard’s co-winner, Dean Haines from Kilgetty, was lacking in confidence when he started volunteering at the Pembrokeshire Hurricanes Wheelchair Basketball Club.
However, as time went on, his confidence grew and he developed a great rapport with the participants – so much so, that he was encouraged to apply for and gain his first job in the care sector. He still volunteers on a regular basis with the club.
Harriers win new category and on-stage interviews delight audience
A new category this year was the Club of the Year Award, won by Pembrokeshire Harriers. They were presented with their award by Steve Davis, Service Manager of Pembrokeshire Youth.
The 10th anniversary of the awards were also marked by on-stage interviews by Bill Carne with three former award-winners, Glamorgan cricketer Andrew Salter, Welsh Ladies footballer Angharad James and wheelchair basketball player Harry Thomas, who is now making a name for himself as a wheelchair racer.
There was also music to savour from the Pembrokeshire Music Service Jazz Ensemble as the audience arrived, some brilliant dancing from the girls of ASL (STP School), some inspirational word from Pembrokeshire Schools’ Gold Ambassadors – and sausage and chips to round off a memorable evening!
All the pictures can be seen here: