The best of the county’s sporting talent was celebrated at the Suffolk Sports Awards at Kesgrave Hall, writes Elaine Anderson-Browne.
Clay pigeon shooter Adrian Last was the big winner, as he was named Suffolk Sports Personality of the Year after a 12 months which has seen him win the Disabled Sitting High Gun at the English Open Sporting 2017, adding to his English, British and World Championships.
Last won the award ahead of fellow nominees Nathaniel Wilding (Paralympic powerlifting) and Steph Henratty (rugby).
He said: “It was a privilege to be shortlisted and an honour to be named the Suffolk Sports Personality of the Year.
“After a successful year clay shooting in open competition and the disabled shooters group this is the icing on the cake, words can’t express what it means to me.
“It is good to have a minority sport like clay pigeon shooting recognised.“
- Meet the nominees: Young Sports Personality, Unsung Hero and Coach of the Year
Para swimmer Jordan Catchpole was named the Archant Suffolk Young Sports Personality of the Year ahead of powerlifter Morgan Torrance Thomas and GB basketball star Esther Little.
Catchpole has broken World, European and British records this year, has been selected to swim for Great Britain and qualified for the Para Swimming World Championships in Mexico.
He said “I feel proud to of been nominated for this award, and even more proud to have won it.
“The other nominees on the shortlist were both great athletes, who did really well this year, so to have won the award means a lot.”
BBC Radio Suffolk Unsung Hero Award winner Michael Hurlock, 90, spent over 50 years promoting and supporting badminton and even converted a pre-war disused indoor swimming pool at his home in Wickham Market to provide a training facility for his Glevering Badminton Club.
- Meet the nominees: Sports Personality of the Year, Club of the Year and School of the Year
He said: “Whilst I am immensely proud, grateful and surprised to be selected as a winner, I believe everyone on every short list were all winners.
“To receive such an award at the age of 90 is such an honour, the trophy takes pride of place at Glevering Badminton Club.”
Tracey Loynds, chair of Suffolk Sport, said: “The event recognises the hard work, determination, talent and support for sport and activity projects across the county.”
Roll of honour
The Harrod UK Sports Personality of the Year Award: Adrian Last (clay pigeon shooting)
Archant Young Sports Personality of the Year Award: Jordan Catchpole (para swimming)
The BBC Radio Suffolk Unsung Hero Award: Michael Hurlock (badminton)
Topcoach Academy Coach of the Year Award: Emily Ison (squash)
South Suffolk Leisure Club of the Year Award: Woolpit Cricket Club
Abbeycroft Leisure School of the Year Award: Birchwood Primary School
Active Waveney & Sentinel Leisure Lifetime Achievement Award: Sheelagh Watts (tennis)
The Elena Baltacha Award: David Swales
People’s Choice Community Showcase Award sponsored by Milsoms Kesgrave Hall: Bury St Edmunds Junior Park Run
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