ALTON and District Sports Council (ADSC) has held its annual awards presentation to showcase the wealth of sporting talent in the area and the valuable contribution of those who support and encourage it.

Following hard on the heels of the annual meeting at Chawton Park Indoor Bowling Club, this year’s awards ceremony attracted more than 50 athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, family and friends to reflect on the success in sports ranging from hockey, netball judo and trampolining to football, bowls, gymnastics and archery.

The event was organised by outgoing ADSC vice-chairman Brian Scowcroft, who stood down after 20 years in various offices at the annual meeting. Each participant received a certificate which was presented by sports council chairman Joe Walters.

Mr Scowcroft explained that while normally all the entrants’ details would be automatically forwarded for consideration as part of East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) sports awards, due to “the lack of support that EHDC has given to ADSC over the past five years and the debacle over the new sports centre, it was decided to boycott this year’s event”.

Instead, all details will be forwarded to the organisers of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards.

Award winners:

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Glenys Peckett (over 60) – head artistic women’s coach at Alton Gymnastics Club.

“Committed and dedicated to the sport and development of the club for many years, even when raising a young family”, Glenys undertakes a number of different roles in gymnastics including coaching, judging, training and mentoring, especially junior coaches.

Glenys was described by the club as “exceptional in her commitment and service to gymnastics throughout the many years she has been involved in the sport”.

SERVICE TO SPORT

Joanna Foley runs Alton Gymnastics Club.

Involved with the club from the age of nine, Joanna, 40, went on to become a young volunteer and has spent many years developing a programme based on the British Gymnastics Awards “which enables as many children as possible to reach their potential in the sport as well as introducing other disciplines which enhance the experience of both participants and coaches”.

With the help of her team, Joanna organises competitions and displays and mentors young people, some of whom have continued with coaching careers.

SPORTSWOMAN (U18)

Lucy Williams – Judo

Lucy, 16, trains with Judo Club Osaka and Alton Judo Club and is currently ranked fourth in the country for her age and weight and has just been selected for the England 2018 judo squad.

Her nomination reads: “Lucy spends her spare time volunteering at Osaka, giving up her holiday time to support the younger children (5-8) at judo camps. Lucy makes it her priority to support children who struggle throughout the lesson and who would otherwise miss out, especially those with ADHD and autism. She is an excellent role model.”

SPORTSMAN (U18)

Scott Plumridge –

Trampolinist

A member of Alton Trampoline Club, Scott’s “development and determination” was rewarded with a medal at the 2017 national finals.

Described as “a popular member” of the club, Scott, 15, is described as “an excellent role model for other club members”, assisting with coaching, helping set up for training and competitions, and running competitions.

He won silver with a strong performance at the regional round of the British Schools Championships, where he represented Amery Hill School.

DISABILITY SPORTSWOMAN (U18)

Elena Vazzana –

Trampolinist

Elena, 15, suffers from Fragile X Syndrome, which creates difficulties with some elements, but due to her courage and determination continues to excel in her trampoline skills.

A member of Alton Trampoline Club, Elena qualified for the British Schools Gymnastics Association national finals in 2017, coming fourth overall on behalf of her school, Stepping Stone.

She also competed in a synchronised trampolining event, teaming with her sister, who also has Fragile X.

“Elena continues to surprise and impress and inspire those with disabilities within their sport.”

MALE COACH

Peter Walley – Alton Trampoline Club

Peter, 20, passed his Level 1 coaching qualification in 2015, after deciding he’d like to try coaching and helping the club he’d grown up with. Peter is currently undertaking his Level 2 course in order to teach more advanced skills.

His club says: “We are proud seeing Pete develop from a moody young teenager years ago, to a much more mature adult and an important part of the club.”

FEMALE COACH

Francesca Hamilton – Alpha Trampoline Club

BRIAN PERSCHKY TEAM AWARD

Margaret Holden & Lesley Johnson of Alton Social Bowls Club.

Margaret, 57, and Lesley, 60, are outdoor bowlers at Alton Social Bowls Club who won the Senior Ladies Pairs at the national finals at , Warwickshire,Lymington Spa in August 2017.

Margaret is an experienced bowler, having played for Hampshire for many years, and a few years ago achieved international honours playing for England. This year she got to the national finals in the non-age restricted pairs and, with another Alton Social Bowls Club member, won the County Pairs.

Lesley, who is a relatively new but accomplished bowler, has also achieved success playing for Hampshire Over-55 ladies’ tennis team and getting to the national finals at Birmingham. She also played squash for Hampshire for many years.

FOUR MARKS & MEDSTEAD ROTARY CLUB JUNIOR TEAM AWARD

Alton Hockey Club boys’ under-12 team.

Not only did they win the North Hampshire under-12 division for 2017 but completed the season unbeaten, dropping only two points in the whole year.

Under-12 is the first time that hockey juniors start playing at a proper competitive level, so the step up to full games is quite steep. They are a real inspiration for younger players.

FOUR MARKS & MEDSTEAD ROTARY CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD

Alton Health and Fun Club.

Meets on Monday and Friday mornings at Alton Sports Centre and provides an opportunity for seniors to enjoy sporting activities and form social links.

SENIOR VOLUNTEER (FEMALE)

Anna Peet – netball

A member of Ants Netball Club, last year Anna, 39, undertook and passed her Level 1 coaching course and now volunteers to coach the juniors on a weekly basis. She also took and passed her umpire Grade C (first stage) award and now umpires, not just for Ants but for other clubs in the Basingstoke Netball League.

SENIOR VOLUNTEER (MALE)

James Coles - Four Marks Football Club

Not only has James been club treasurer for more than years but he has taken on the task of maintaining the pitch, cutting and rolling it and, every Saturday morning, marking it out, for which the club has been highly commended by Hampshire FA.

James also prepares sandwiches for the players and takes the kit home to wash.

With wife Ruth he runs the Sports Pavilion bar in Four Marks.