London,
26
October
2009
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney Youth Sports Awards

The Hackney Empire hosted the cream of Hackney’s sporting talent at the fourth Hackney Youth Sports Awards on Monday 12 October.

The awards recognise the achievements of local youngsters who have participated in various sporting events during the past year, including the London Youth Games.

Around 600 people attended the event which was compered by MTV and Choice FM presenter Kat B and featured lively performances by dance troupe Avant Garde and singer Rebekah Grant.

Adebisi Alakan, Carlos Carrette, Shaun Purcell, Sam Badar and Anna Hart were singled out for their exceptional individual achievements and contributions to sport. The Cycling team; Disability Girls Football Team, Athletics and Mini Games Football Team were among the many group award recipients.

The Mayor’s Award for Services to Sport in Hackney, was presented in recognition and celebration of the excellent work Michelle Weltman, who trains disabled swimmers.

Over many years, Michelle has worked to improve sports access for disabled people in the borough. It is through her dedication that Hackney has had Paralympic swimmers, Elaine Barrett and Dervis Konuralp, representing Great Britain during the past four Paralympic Games - between them amassing one Gold, three Silver and three Bronzes, amongst other international medals.

The Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, along with Dervis Konuralp, fellow Paralympian Jody Cundy and Cllr Guy Nicholson, presented the awards. Mayor Pipe said: “I was pleased to be able to present these awards to such deserving recipients and was impressed by the range and level of achievement on display. It takes a lot commitment and dedication to achieve in any sport and congratulations are also due to all the parents, coaches, trainers, schools and supporters throughout Hackney who enable these individuals to succeed.”

During the event, grants were given out to recipients of Hackney s Youth Sports Fund which provides financial support to local young athletes and organisations towards the cost of sporting facilities, equipment and training. For more information on the Fund, or Hackney s Sports and Leisure Services generally, contact Darren English, email: darren.english@hackney.gov.uk or telephone: 020 8356 4897.

Photo caption: Some of the award presentations. For more information, contact: Karyn Michael, email: karyn.michael@hackney.gov.uk, telephone: 020 8356 3261.