The winners of the 2022 Surrey Heath Sports Awards have been announced.
After a difficult two years for both elite and grassroots sport, the Surrey Heath Sports Awards were finally able to return to a ceremony at Camberley Theatre this year after Covid-19 meant that couldn’t happen in 2020 and 2021.
The awards celebrate the achievements of local coaches, volunteers, athletes and community groups, who have gone above and beyond in their performances, dedication and commitment to sport and physical activity.
This year saw the inaugural awarding of The Massage Company International Sporting Achievement award for Luke Preston of Camberley Judo Club, to recognise his brilliant accomplishments. His impressive CV includes being Team GB coach at the London 2012 Olympics as well as two-time Team England coach at the Commonwealth Games.
Winners in the other award categories included representation from rugby, rowing, dance, cricket and fitness, showing the depth and breadth of sport and physical activity taking place across the borough.
Congratulations to the SHSA 2022 winners:
Complete Coaching Sporting Moment of the Year
Catherine and Gemma King from Bagshot became the first female twins to race for Cambridge in the Lightweight Boat Race.
Surrey Security Community Project of the Year
Rhythmic Collision Dance Company from Surrey Choices won the award for their dance group for people living with learning disabilities. The group opened the ceremony with a fantastic dance performance.
• Surrey Playing Fields Volunteer of the Year
Jay Wilcox is the Mini and Youth Chair at Camberley Rugby Club, as well as head coach for the new girls U12 team, regularly giving up his weekends to help grow the game.
Places Leisure Camberley Inclusive Sport Award
Gary Dunford is the mastermind behind Frimley Pheonix Cricket Club’s recent accreditation as a Disabilities Champion Club, helping to run cricket sessions while also raising awareness for people living with a visual impairment.
Places Leisure Camberley Outstanding Service Award
Ben Rickwood won the award for his work in helping more than 500 people with weight loss targets, and opening Maximus Gym up to residents with financial struggles and young people with behavioural issues.
Team Surrey Heath members from the Specsavers Surrey Youth Games programme were also recognised for their participation and performance.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Community, Cllr Rebecca Jennings-Evans said: “The Surrey Heath Sports Awards are the perfect way to celebrate those involved in sport and physical activity locally – and this year it was fantastic to be able to recognise their contribution in a special awards ceremony for the first time in a few years due to the Covid pandemic.
“We all know how important physical activity is for our mental and physical health. The award winners, and everyone nominated, are role models in a variety of ways. From athletes to coaches, volunteers to community group members – congratulations, and thank you for your contribution to sport and the community of Surrey Heath.”
The nominees were shortlisted by an internal panel before the winners were selected by the Surrey Heath Sports Council last month. Thank you to our host Peter Gordon, and our generous sponsors.
