Beryl Birch wins Champions Award at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards

Beryl Birch wins Champions Award at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards

Beryl Birch, from Rochdale, was named the winner of this year’s Champions Award at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards - the award goes to the category winner who is seen to be creating the widest impact in sport across Greater Manchester.

The award was presented to Beryl by Louis Ragou, in recognition of his father, last year’s winner Glen Ragou, who died in December.

Beryl also won the 'Unsung Hero' category at the awards.

Hosted by BBC North West Tonight’s presenter Roger Johnson, the event took place at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 4 November.

The night was broadcast live by BBC Radio Manchester and included a drinks reception, a three course meal and a live band.

Showing a wide range of ages, cultures and backgrounds, all under one roof, the event awarded sporting champions across Greater Manchester for their outstanding successes, achievements and involvement in grassroots sport. To celebrate the successes within the room, several inspiring Olympians, including Team GB Hockey gold medalist Nicola White, joined the event:

• Team GB Paralympian, double gold medalist and bronze medalist Kadeena Cox
• Team GB cyclist gold and silver medalist Callum Skinner
• Team GB taekwondo athlete and bronze medalist Bianca Walkden
• Team GB Paralympic swimmer and gold medalist Claire Cashmore
• Team GB track and field athlete and bronze medalist Kelly Massey
• Team GB Paralympic athletics head coach Paula Dunn
• Britain’s most successful gymnast Beth Tweddle

Yvonne Harrison, Chief Executive of GreaterSport, organisers of the Greater Manchester Sports Awards, said: “GreaterSport are delighted to present these iconic awards to celebrate and recognise the champions who devote their lives to sport, day in, day out, making a huge impact in their local communities.”

“Acknowledging the hard-working, inspiring nominees from across the 10 local districts at the annual Greater Manchester Sports Awards is important as they are making sport happen and developing community sport across our county.”

The categories and winners were:

• Beryl Birch (Rochdale) Unsung Hero - sponsored by Manchester United Foundation
• Jemma Entwistle (Bolton) Coach of the Year – sponsored by Why Sports Media Group
• Curzon Ashton FC (Tameside) Club of the Year – sponsored by Rapport: The People Activation Agency
• Andy Small (Stockport) Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year – sponsored by Mills & Reeves
• Jessica Eadsforth-Yates (Stockport) Sports Achiever of the Year – sponsored by Total Gymnastics Academies
• Dave Grundy (Wigan) Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University
• David Webb (Oldham) Changing Lifestyle Award – sponsored by Work Smart VPA