Sports stars honoured at Llan ceremony

Sporting teams and individuals have been honoured for their achievements at a recent awards ceremony staged in Llangollen and arranged by Denbighshire County Council's Leisure Team.

Last year, three Denbighshire Community Sport Awards winners went on to win national accolades at the Sport Wales Awards in Cardiff.

This year there was over 160 nominations for the Denbighshire Community Sport Awards.

They were then shortlisted to three finalists for each category.

Many of the clubs and individuals recognised had received a Denbighshire Talented Athlete Grant, a Community Chest Grant or a North Wales Gold Card.

This year's guest speaker was Nicola Tustain of Corwen, one of Britain’s best known para–equestrian dressage riders,  having performed at a world class level for the past ten years.

Her career has taken her to international competitions in no less than 12 countries representing the UK and her speech outlining her sporting journey was truly inspirational.

The 2013 winners announced at the ceremony were:

• James Roberts, Prestatyn (Sports Performer)
•  Emily Noden, Denbigh  (Disability Award)
• Roydon Healy (Coach of the year)
• Sophie Vaughan, Rhyl (Volunteer of the Year)
•  Michael Kitchin, Prestatyn (Young Inspiration of the Year)
•  Olivia Fuller, Prestatyn (Junior Sports Performer)
•  Prestatyn High School (Sport in School Award)
• Jeff Jenkins, Denbigh  (Lifetime Achievement)
•  Prestatyn FC (Team of the Year and Denbighshire Sport Ambassadors 2013).

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure, said: "It was a true honour for the Council and its partners to recognise the tremendous amount of sporting talent we have in Denbighshire.

"They are great ambassadors for sport and well-being and really show how commitment, dedication and nurturing local talent can pay dividends in their chosen sport.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games have left a lasting legacy for sports in the UK and the leisure industry has never been in the spotlight as much as it is now. It's a great opportunity for us to celebrate achievements, as well as encouraging others to get active and strive for the best in their fields."

Denbighshire County Council says it would like to thank event sponsors Alliance Leisure, who have also been awarded a four year investment framework as partners to Denbighshire County Council, to significantly improve and expand leisure facilities in the county.  

The transformation of Ruthin Leisure Centre has providing a full sized all weather pitch, a new extension to the swimming pool – which will house a new reception and viewing area, as well as a state of the art 25 station fitness centre.  

Category sponsors were Glyndwr University, Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, X N Leisure, Technogym,  Denbighshire County Council Housing services and Family information Services and University of Central Lancashire. They are thanked for their support in making the event possible.