Mid Durham and Dales Local Sport and Physical Activity Awards

The County Durham Sport and Physical Activity Awards celebrate unsung sports stars, coaches, clubs and schools. This page contains the results for the Mid Durham and Dales area.

The club also had its first Special Olympic player who won bronze in the top division of the National Championships. BATTC now has 30 nationally ranked players.

This year Won Table Tennis England National Table Tennis club of the year Award, secured over £30,000 to upgrade their facility into a national standard table tennis centre, while continuing its community program with 2 new junior satellite clubs in Shildon & Willington taking this to 6 satellite centres. Also our junior Elite programme has produced 30 nationally ranked players showing our commitment at all levels.

Sporting Achievement of the Year

This award is for an individual over 18 that has achieved a specific goal or honour in sport, or produced a notable sporting performance. They will be seen as an inspiration to others through their achievement in sport.

The winner is...Sarah Smith

Sarah raised more than £1,600 for mental health charity Mind, taking gold in her first "Ironman" triathlon, completing the gruelling Lakesman swim, cycle and run in a time of 10 hours 56 minutes. The time, is a Lakesman course record and would have actually qualified for the World Championships. Sarah began training for the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run in December for her debut performance. The 35-year-old was the first woman in the event's history to cross the finish line. Only eight years on after teaching herself front crawl, a member of Teesdale Triathlon Club, she is looking to qualify for the prestigious Ironman World Championships in 2017.

The first woman in the event's history to cross the finish line, Sarah won the grueling, Lakesman swim consisting a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run in her debut performance. The time achieved, sets a Lakesman course record and would have actually qualified for this year World Championships.

Young Sporting Achievement of the Year

This award is for a young individual or group that has achieved a specific goal or honour in sport, or produced a notable sporting performance. They will be seen as an inspiration to others through their achievement in sport. This was yet another category with a high number of nominations and extremely difficult for the panel to judge and pick a winner.

The winner is...Megan Bainbridge

Megan boxes for Brandon Boxing Club and this season excelled winning gold medal in the world's largest female championship in Sweden. She added the National Championship of England, winning the golden gloves in Grantham. Then in July she travelled to Ireland and managed to scoop a silver medal narrowly losing in her final. What makes Megan's achievements so special, at the age of 3 Megan was diagnosed as autistic, albeit very slightly, but it was enough for her to struggle day to day early in life. She is now reaping the rewards, crowned Champion of England and representing her country in the Sport she loves.

A double gold winning medalist this year, Megan is National Champion of England winning the golden gloves, alongside a gold medal in the world's largest female championship in Sweden. Represent her country in the Sport she loves Megan is reaping the rewards of all her dedication and hard work.

Contribution to Sport

This award is for an individual who has achieved success at county level or above through competing, coaching or volunteering in sport or made a significant difference to individuals or groups through their contribution to sport in County Durham. This person will be seen as a role model within their sport or community.

The winner is...Tony Taylor

Tonys award collected by a representative from his club

Tony has achieved an outstanding level of success over 45 years at County and National level as, a player, a coach and volunteer. Tony was involved in establishing clubs at Sacriston Bishop Auckland and Lanchester. Treasurer of the Durham and District League, Treasurer of Durham County Association for almost 20 years, Tony was also Durham County Secretary for English Schools TT Association.

In 2013 he helped establish Brandon Table Tennis Club. This Club has expanded rapidly and was voted Sunderland League Club of the Year. He has encouraged a whole community approach with Brandon running sessions in; Move into Sport, Alzheimer's Club; recovering alcoholics; as well as promoting pathways for young players. He has inspired thousands to take up the sport. In everything he does, as a player, coach, administrator and volunteer he is a true role model.

45 years at County and National level as, a player, a coach and volunteer. Tony was involved in establishing many clubs in the area.

He has encouraged a whole community approach at Brandon running sessions for Move into Sport, Alzheimer's Club, recovering alcoholics, as well as promoting pathways for young players. He has inspired thousands of people to take up the sport.

With membership increasing significantly for both seniors and juniors Crook Athletics club continues to grow from strength to strength. Some notable team and individual achievements this year have seen international, regional & county success showing a broad strength in depth and with more and more juniors joining the club it has been a fantastic year.

Junior Sports Club of the Year

This award is for a club that has demonstrated commitment and passion to sport through the activities and opportunities they provide for their junior members.

The winner is...Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club

The Junior section has had unprecedented success in the past 12 months with:

6 teams in national leagues making them the largest club in the competitions. National Junior League A team winners and B team 3rd. The National Cadet League winners 8 players represented County Durham, 7 won the Durham schools finals, 2 players reached the National Schools team finals. 8 players competed at National Championships,

Volunteer of the Year

This award is for an individual who works behind the scenes in a sports club or community group and where their role will be vital and without them the club or group would not be the same.

The winner is...Harry Binyon

At Crook Athletic Club, guaranteed, Harry is always first to arrive, opening up the track and last to leave. During summer, members ask for additional track access, it's never an issue. A fully qualified coach, Harry together with Alan set up our thriving juniors section. Harry is also club treasurer, arranges memberships, bookings, and purchasing equipment. He collects kit, sorts out medals and does the whole club banking. He supports at races, setting up the club tent, even in winter, cold, wet and snowing, guarantee you hear Harry encouraging.

The effort and commitment Harry puts into Crook & District Athletic Club is second to none. Always working behind the scenes, he is the backbone of the club. He really is the unsung hero & this year was awarded a DCC Chairman's certificate in recognition for outstanding services to the local community. Harry has been the treasurer 20 years, always our friendly face, always approachable, respected by all.

Young Volunteer of the Year

This award is for a young individual who works behind the scenes in a sports club or community group and where their role will be vital and without them the club or group would not be the same.

The winner is...Jessica Graham

Throughout this year, 15 primary schools took part in a massively successful football league at Willington Parkside. Jessica attended every single one of these evenings, placing schools onto the correct pitches, first aid duties, running the line & liaising closely with parents and teachers.

Jessica is also a member of Mohan Jujitsu Martial Arts Club, supporting the younger members, has achieved the Bronze Medallion Award and recently passed the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification while regularly volunteering with St. John's Ambulance at sporting events.

Jessica is a Parkside School young leader volunteer, helps with football leagues, is a member of Mohan Jujitsu Martial Arts Club supporting younger club members, has achieved the Bronze Medallion Award and recently passed the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification while also giving up time to volunteer with St. John's Ambulance at various sporting events.

Sports Club of the Year

This award is for a club that has demonstrated commitment and passion to sport through the activities and opportunities they provide for their members.

The winner is...Crook and District Athletics Club

Membership has increased with 100+ seniors and juniors flourishing to over 60, a fantastic year achievements include:

Markhim Lonsdale represented GB in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa & European Youth Championships in Tbilisi. Carl Chapman won the Grand Prix Vet men's North East League Cross Country. Chris Auld won the North East Counties Open Pentathlon 10,000m. Our men's team won gold at the North East Masters 10K. The club was represented at the IAAF Cardiff World Half Marathon Championships. Jayne Henderson and Natalie Mullholland secured two golds, a silver and a bronze at the Scottish Masters. Our juniors won County Durham Athletics Network sports festival. Gerry Hehir won a silver medal in the British Masters and gold in the North East Masters. Both our men and ladies teams won respective league tables North East Masters - the ladies setting a league record.

Contribution to Physical Activity

This award is for an individual or group that has made a significant difference in County Durham through demonstrating the positive impact physical activity can have on people's lives. They will be seen as a role model for their contribution within their community.

The winner is... David Price

David was a regular user of the gym before becoming a volunteer, overcoming barriers due to a visual impairment. He now covers 3 shifts a week and over 50 hours a month at Trex Community Fitness Suite in Tow Law. David also offered his time so the gym could be open on weekends which appealed with many that work. David has helped create a mini community that doesn't just improve physical health; it improves mental and social wellbeing also. David's positive attitude rubs off onto gym users and he always ensures they have an enjoyable experience. He is never alone because Izzy his guide dog is always by his side. Customers bring fruit with them to the gym always ensuring Izzy has an apple too. He is an exceptional example of a volunteer's contribution to physical activity, in a very rural area where access to activity is relied upon by the generosity of such people like David.

Physical Activity Achievement of the Year

This award is for an individual or group that has achieved a specific goal through leading an active lifestyle whilst facing personal barriers and challenges. They will be seen as an inspiration to others in overcoming their difficulties and achieving their results.

The winner is... Fred and Jean Braithwaite

Frederick & Jean Braithwaite's coach accepted their Physical Activity Achievement award on their behalf.

Five years ago Fred was diagnosed with dementia. Fred heard about Dementia Friendly Swimming in 2015 and decided to give it a go. Fred has been having a few falls, his last one quite bad. He surprised us all returning after several weeks in hospital. Jean isn't a strong swimmer and was pulled under when she was younger. Frightened ever since, Jean still participates every week because of the benefits for Fred. Fred deserves recognition for an award as he has so many odds against him but despite set-backs, he keeps coming back, he's always happy and has re-learned old skills.

I also feel Jean deserves recognition as without her Fred wouldn't be able to attend. Jean isn't a strong swimmer and despite a previous fear of water she continues to swim every week because of the benefits for Fred.

Coach of the Year

The Coach of the Year award is for an individual who has demonstrated their commitment and passion through coaching in sport, seen as an inspiration within their role as a coach and having made a positive impact on those they have coached. This particular category had one of the most nominees and was extremely hard to judge.

The winner is...Alex Oliver

Alex started the club just 3 years ago, quickly producing one of the most successful regional boxing gyms. Alex & the team have guided the Club to the Tyne, Tees & Wear Regional Boxing Club of the year award. A club at the heart of Brandon community, he has overseen a new partnership with Brandon Sports Hub & funding in access of £120,000 for a new boxing facility.

Alex & the team have guided the Club to the Tyne, Tees & Wear Regional Boxing Club of the year award and also overseen a new partnership with Brandon Sports Club & funding in access of £120,000 for a new boxing club building. What he & the Club have achieved is nothing short of remarkable.

Young Coach of the Year

This award is for a young individual who has demonstrated their commitment and passion through coaching in sport. This young person will be seen as an inspiration within their role as a coach and have made a positive impact on those they have coached.

Imogen Story The winner is... Imogen Storey

Imogen is a vibrant and enthusiastic member of our coaching team at Bishop Auckland Netball Club. She has come through the ranks as a player and now achieved her Level 2 coaching qualification at just 20. From January, Imogen stepped up taking on the role of acting Head Coach due to maternity leave. Amazingly she effectively managed the coaching programme & the 5 teams competing in leagues. Imogen works tirelessly with our girls aged 5 to 19 years, implementing a high level of training with a fantastic element of fun to keep our girls engaged. She has worked with many of our girls who are now on the England Netball Pathway.

Overseeing our 5 junior teams, Imogen also finds time to help our partner Team Bishop Adult Netball Club too.

Primary School Contribution to PE & School Sport

This award is for a primary that has demonstrated a positive impact on the community through sport, shows high quality and innovation in the delivery of PE and/or displays a commitment to developing opportunities for pupils through school teams, including involvement in the School Games.

The winner is...Hartside Primary School

The PE subject leader designed a unique professional learning programme to upskill all non-specialist teachers and assistants. This has improved the quality of teaching, learning and assessment of Sport through the whole school and will support other schools in developing PE. In Swimming pupils achieve above county standards; County Cross Country Champions; 3rd place in the County Tennis finals, Winners of the Level 2 Quad Kids event and Football district league winners.

The School PE subject leader designed a unique professional learning programme, upskilling non-specialist teachers and assistants to improve School Sport. Notably performances this year included; County Cross Country Champions; 3rd place County Tennis finals, Quad Kids event winners and Football district league winners.

Secondary School Contribution to PE & School Sport

This award is for a school that has demonstrated a positive impact on the community, shows high quality and innovation in the delivery of PE and/or displays a commitment to developing opportunities for pupils through school teams, including involvement in the School Games.

The winner is...Parkside Academy

Parkside Academy held events including:

Competitions in tag rugby, basketball, indoor athletics & mini-tennis. Key Stage 1 & 2 dance festivals. County Primary Schools' Cross-Country final. A football league with 15 primary schools. Secured a Physical Activity Grant to target inactive pupils using their fitness suite Gifted and Talented programs generated invaluable learning for elite performers, Katie Bone represented England at Taekwondo and Georgia O'Connor won a GB junior boxing title During Sports Week - 150 pupils enjoyed less traditional sports (tri-golf & mountain biking) Over 300 pupils in Euro's football and Mini-Olympics competitions.