Unsung sporting heroes to be recognised

Greater Manchester Sports

The borough will be represented by Rochdale Borough Sports Awards 2014/15 winners at the 2015 Greater Manchester Sports Awards.

Winners from across all 10 Greater Machester local authorities will come together with a chance of becoming Greater Manchester winner.

Former Great Britain Gymnast Olympian Beth Tweddle will be the guest speaker on the night and share her experiences and inspirational stories whilst congratulating the nominees and winners on their ongoing achievements.

Chief Executive Yvonne Harrison commented: “Here at GreaterSport we are really excited for 2015’s Greater Manchester Sports Awards. It is such a rewarding evening, celebrating the achievements and sporting successes of the past twelve months across the ten districts, highlighting the very best of community sport and the impact this has to help us change lives.”

Nominees the Borough of Rochdale

Coach of the Year - Dave Duffy
Dave is a Sixth Dan and brings a wealth of experience to the club as a coach educator for the British Judo Association. Dave’s achievements include training a North of England Champion and several County Champions. Dave oversees all RJC Junior gradings and County Championships.

Club of the Year – Deaf Rhinos Football Club
The group has flourished from young people playing football occasionally to an organised football club with 40 deaf and hearing impaired members. The club

have a strong coaching team with five FA qualified coaches and have achieved the FA Charter Standard status. The club has introduced competitive matches coming runner-up in the league and against the odds won the Lancashire FA Ability Counts Cup in June 2015.

Volunteer of the Year – Steve Lavelle

Unsing Hero of the Year – Maurice Clarke
Maurice Clarke is 79 years young, a Fourth Dan Black belt and the President of Rochdale Judo Club. It is Maurice’s dedication and longevity that is so remarkable coaching for 60 years; he stills trains and coaches three times a week at Rochdale Judo Club, passing on his experience and skills to the senior and junior judokas and working tirelessly to promote it throughout the North West.

Sports Achiever of the Year – Owen Mitchell
Owen is ranked seventh at National level and has qualified in both the sprint and standard distance triathlon to represent his country at the European and World Championship Finals. When not competing Owen helps out with organising local events such as the Salford Triathlon and visits local primary school to talk about his sport and achievements aiming to inspire future athletes.

Diabled Sports Achiever of the Year - Adam Kelly
Adam is a Special Olympics four times gold medallist, Special Olympic open water junior championship gold medal and mencap championship gold, silver and bronze medallist. Adam has only been competing for two years and is the youngest person to compete in the Special Olympics open water championships winning a gold medal. Adam is a role model for swimming and actively encourages young people to start swimming.

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award – Craig Preston
Craig’s stroke at 42 impacted upon all aspects of everyday life. Craig joined the Stroke Action group and takes part in walking football, badminton and yoga. Craig now finds everyday tasks like walking and shopping much easier and enjoys the social element of meeting other survivors. Craig has recently trained as a Health Champion and was an ambassador for the Health Smart campaign encouraging others to get active.

The awards will take place at The Point, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, on Friday 20 November.