Clubs and individuals honoured at Derby City Sports Awards
Published: 22 October 2019
Two members of Derby Athletic Club were presented honours at Derby Sports Awards
Two members of Derby Athletic Club were presented honours at Derby Sports Awards on earlier this month by the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Frank Harwood, and the Youth Mayor, Abdul-Moiz Siddiqi.
Seventeen-year-old javelin thrower Hannah Barnden was Junior Sportswoman of the Year, while club chairman Barry Parker, the oldest winner at 72, took the title for Lifetime Service at the event – organised by Derby City Sport Forum and held at Derby City Council’s Council House.
Originally a heptathlete, Hannah decided last winter to drop multi-eventing and concentrated on throwing the javelin instead. This paid off, with Hannah winning gold for England in the Youth Nations Cup in Dublin in August this year.
Barry’s contribution to sport, particularly athletics, spans 50 years. A one-time English schools middle distance champion he became a sports and PE teacher.
In the last 20 years he has been an accomplished international athletics official, a regional co-ordinator of athletics and training, and the chair of Derby Athletic Club, overseeing growth and efforts to engage with the community. He has put on additional meetings and opportunities for young people and those with disabilities.
Derby Rowing Club also scooped up awards.
Eighteen-year-old Sam Remer of Derby Rowing Club took the title of Young Sports Leader for his voluntary efforts to recruit new members and coach them, while studying for his A-levels, winning at regional and national level competitions and competing at Henley Royal Regatta. The club also won Club of the Year.
Rolls-Royce Rugby Football Club and Mickleover Sports, won special awards for their work in the community.
Rolls Royce RFC renovated their clubroom, introduced 02 Touch Rugby allowing people of any gender, ability or fitness level to get some intense exercise, and held its biggest ever annual sevens tournament with 185 players. This raised more than £300.00 via a cake sale for charity, and some members gave blood.
Mickleover Sports Club touched the lives of 20,000 people in the last year through its numerous football and cricket teams, and various community events. Over the last three years it has raised £23,000 for Our Mickleover, the local community association as well as funds for itself.
Another rugby club that scored success was Derby Bucks Mixed Ability Rugby team, which picked up Team of the Year. Based at Derby Rugby Club, they were the first mixed ability team in the East Midlands with participants who have disabilities playing contact rugby together with others.
The youngest winner on the night was 16-year-old basketball player Simeon Perry, Junior Sportsman of the Year. He is also a role model, promoting his sport and inspiring youngsters. He now studies at Charnwood College, Loughborough.
Community Coach of the Year winner Mandy Bell, head coach at City of Derby Swimming Club for the last three years has considerable experience and success, with 16 swimmers in the British Summer Championships. The club has also helped charities.
In July, Mandy was the GB coach for the 2019 European Youth Summer Olympic festival in Azerbaijan and she has now been chosen to participate in the Coach 2024 programme, supporting the next generation of elite swimming coaches.