Published: Friday, 21st Sep 2018

The University of Bolton Stadium is used to welcoming the great and the good of the sporting world. But it was the unsung heroes who took centre stage at the Bolton Active Sports Awards 2018.

Bolton Active Sport Awards 2018More than a thousand guests packed the stadium’s Premier Suite to congratulate 150 nominees across 14 categories.

The BBC’s Roger Johnson was MC for the evening and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, was joined at her table by Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former Olympian Iwan Thomas.

Deserving winners included inspirational Sue Taylor who overcame multiple set-backs after suffering a heart attack and now volunteers to help others on the Cardiac Rehab Scheme.

Birtenshaw School was commended for a commitment to PE which sees pupils enjoy a wide range of sporting activities while Ayaz Bhuta was recognised for his endless dedication to wheelchair rugby.

Executive Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said:

“The awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that the sport and physical activity on offer in Bolton is the best of the best.

“We recognise the importance of keeping the residents of Bolton physically active and the town has some fantastic partnerships that support the development of sport from the classroom through to local communities.

“This would not be possible without the army of volunteers, coaches, mentors and organisers who do all this incredible work. The awards are about celebrating all of them.”

The Active Sports Awards are organised by Bolton Council and sponsored by local businesses and organisations.

List of winners in full:

  • Changing Lifestyle Recognition sponsored by iPro Sport Winner - Sue Taylor
  • Club of the Year sponsored by Carrs Pasties Winner - Tri-Rivington UK
  • Coach of the Year sponsored by Air Vault Trampoline Park Winner  - Eddy Kavanagh
  • Disabled Achievement Award sponsored by Sparq and Filmsoup Winner - Isabelle Hibbert
  • Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year sponsored by Decathlon Bolton Winner – Ayaz Bhuta
  • Junior Sport Team Achievement sponsored by The Emerson Group -Horwich Swimming Club
  • School Commitment to PE and Sport sponsored by Express Banners Winner - Birtenshaw School
  • Senior Sport Team of the Year sponsored by Yusha Ninja Winner - Bolton Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI
  • Sport and Health Initiative of the Year of the Year sponsored by Portfolio Winner - WAVE Adventure
  • Sport Achiever of the Year sponsored by University of Bolton - Tim Worthington
  • Unsung Hero of the Year sponsored by Renault Retail Group Winner - Susan Bingham
  • Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Atlantic Travel Winner - Darren Crompton
  • Young Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Bolton Council - Kiahna Wright
  • Liam Chronnell Memorial Trophy Winner - Rasib Muhammed