Sports Award Success
Tees Active were once again proud sponsors of the Evening Gazette Sports Awards. The awards, now in their 10th year were a huge success and showcased top local sporting talent.
The night was hosted by Paul Addison from BBC Radio Cleveland with Gareth Southgate and Dame Tanni Grey Thompson as special guests.
Award Winners
International cyclist Chris Newton carried off the Sports Person of the Year award, while Tees Active Sports Academy swimming sensation Jessica Dickons took the junior award.
Middlesbrough Football Club picked up the team of the year for their European Success last season while winner of the junior team were Newlands School U13 Football Team.
The Redcar Bears collected the Motorsports Award with 
the return of speedway to the area while Jamie Jeffrey took the special needs award after collecting gold in a national disabled judo championships despite breaking his wrist in the competition.
Business in Sport was awarded to Teesside Sports Injury Centre who offer expert treatment and rehabilitation for many local sports stars – including many Tees Active Sports Academy Athletes.
Emerging sports star was named as Ben Wears, Britain’s only race walker to feature in the world’s top 10 at under-17 level, while Unsung Sporting Hero went to Alma Collin for her contribution and dedication to disabled swimming, including her voluntary weekly session Thornaby Pool and has been running for close to 60 years.
Head coach of Borough of Stockton Swimming Scheme, Graeme Antwhistle was awarded Coach/Mentor of the Year. During the past 12 months he was also selected for a UK sports initiative designed to fast track development in time to secure success at the 2012 Olympics.
Alan Peacock collected the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to local sport. Alan became the first Middlesbrough born footballer to play for Middlesbrough Football club and also go on to be selected to represent England. The most recent player to do this is Stewart Downing, who presented the award to Alan.
In all, 11 major awards were handed out to Teesside’s top sporting achievers, each receiving a trophy plus a bursary of up to £500.