Keynsham Town Junior FC scored a double success when the achievements and dedication of local sports people, volunteers and coaches were celebrated by Bath & North East Somerset Council chairman Councillor Rob Appleyard on Wednesday night.
Paralympic heroine Stephanie Millward – the winner of five swimming medals at London 2012 – joined Cllr Appleyard in handing out the Chairman's Sport Awards 2013 at the Guildhall.
Keynsham were winners in the Sports Club of the Year category and also picked up the Chairman's Special Award in recognition of their work in the community, including free coaching sessions for local autistic organisation Butterflies and free after-school sessions.
The club also engages with parents and volunteers – encouraging children to develop as players and, latterly, as coaches and referees.
Minerva Bath, whose membership includes Olympic rowing gold medallist Helen Glover, were named alongside Keynsham as the Sports Club of the Year
City of Bath rhythmic gymnast Lynne Hutchison, who also represented her country at the Games last summer, took the Young Achiever in Sport prize, while Roger Bird's 60-year association with Timsbury Cricket Club was rewarded with the Volunteer in Sport accolade.
The Greenhill House boccia team, also from Timsbury, were the winners of the inaugural Contribution to Inclusive Sport award.
All nominees were presented with certificates recognising their contributions, while the winners also claimed a piece of Bath Aqua Blue glass and one-year's free platinum membership to Aquaterra sports facilities.
Cllr Appleyard said: "I'm delighted to celebrate the marvellous achievements and dedication of our local sports people, volunteers and coaches.
"I hope that their devotion to sporting activities in our communities continues to inspire others to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and get active with the support of B&NES Council."
Millward added: "It is real honour for me to be invited to present the Chairman's Sport Awards this year.
"It is great to see all the fantastic work that is going on in the community and to be able to reward ordinary people who have gone the extra mile. As far as I am concerned they really are 'super humans'."
CHAIRMAN'S SPORTS AWARDS 2013 WINNERS
Young Volunteer in Sport: Mike Oram.
Volunteer in Sport: Roger Bird.
Young Achiever in Sport (12-18 years): Lynne Hutchinson.
Achiever in Sport (with a disability): Joshua Church.
Contribution to Inclusive Sport (club/individual): Greenhill House boccia team.
Sports Coach of the Year: Anne Allen.
Sports Club of the Year: Minerva Bath Rowing Club & Keynsham Junior FC.
PE & Sport Teacher of the Year: Brendan Rouse.
Aquaterra Healthy Lifestyles Award: Brian Fooks.
Official of the Year: Jenny Dennis.
Chairman's Special Award: Keynsham Junior FC.
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