Local stars honoured at Hackney’s Youth Sports Awards
The feats of local men and women were celebrated at the 14th annual Hackney Youth Sports Awards earlier this month.
An audience of 200 people cheered on the winners at the Town Hall as they collected medals from special guest Iain Percy OBE, one of Britain’s most successful sailors with three Olympic medals to his name.
A range of awards were handed out at the ceremony on 17 December, including the prestigious Sport Club of the Year, which was shared by Hackney Judo Club and Hackney Aquatics Club.
The latter provides courses to help young people build up their confidence both in and out of the water.
Evelyn Dumbleton, who has been competing in athletics for 10 years, won the London Youth Games Individual Contribution Award.
Photograph: Hackney Council
Coach of the Year went to Ian Bruce, head coach and chairman of girls’ football club AFC Stoke Newington.
Bruce, who gives up his spare time for free and is dedicated to developing young girls through football, described the award as a “huge honour”.
He said: “Having grown up in the borough and being a proud resident makes winning the award extra special. Due to Hackney’s sporting excellence the field was really strong, so I’m delighted to have won.”
Other winners included the Hackney Indoor Rowing Team, which took home the London Youth Games Team Contribution Award.
Under-16 Sports Person of the Year went to Thomas Archer for athletics, and diver Noah Williams was named Under-25 Sports Person of the Year.
The awards were set up to support talented young athletes in achieving their sporting potential through the Youth Sport Fund.
Speaker of Hackney Cllr Kam Adams said: “I would like to congratulate all of the winners and nominees for their hard work, efforts and determination.
“I would also like to give a massive thank you to the coaches and volunteers for their incredible work behind the scenes.
“This event is a wonderful celebration of local sporting talent and everyone involved should be exceptionally proud of themselves for their well deserved recognition.”