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Local, national and international success has been celebrated at this year's prestigious Midlothian Sports Awards ceremony. Diverse sports feature amongst the talents of this year's winners including judo, archery, rugby and athletics.
The annual event hosted by Midlothian Council recognises high achievers in sport over the last year and celebrates the contribution, commitment and performance of local athletes, coaches and volunteers.
This year Sarah Clark (judo) picked up the award for Senior Sports Personality, while Luke Thomson (archery) was named Junior Sports Personality. Michael Leslie (snooker) was also highly commended in the junior category.
Senior Team Award went to Lasswade Rugby Club and Lasswade Athletics Club under-15 Boys team received the Junior Team Award. Coach of the Year was awarded jointly to David Somerville and Tony Penfold for their achievements in judo, while John Bruce received the award for Service to Local Sport in recognition of 25 years involved with Scottish swimming. The Council also commended Peter Frame of Loanhead Miners Football Club for his 30 years of service to the club.
A new award introduced this year to recognise outstanding contribution to school sports has been won by Newbattle Community High School's football academy project which has significantly increased the participation in the sport.
Cabinet member for education and communities Councillor Jim Muirhead said: "The Midlothian Sports Awards recognise the positive contribution sport makes to our communities, and the achievements of this year's winners merit recognition and admiration. The awards honour not only athletes and teams who distinguish themselves but those individuals whose contribution to sport can inspire and encourage others in the pursuit of excellence.
"This year a new award has been introduced to recognise the important contribution that our schools also play in sport in the community. Participation in sport can improve health and wellbeing, it can inspire and promote positive values and it can combat inappropriate behaviours."
The Council's sport and leisure manager Robin Strang then outlined the major successes over the last twelve months and challenges for the year ahead. He said: "The last year has seen major achievements in leisure facilities and initiatives across Midlothian. To name but a few, communities are benefitting from two new skateparks, three multi use games areas, two new ToneZones fitness suites, the opening of the Penicuik Centre pool and library complex and later this year will see the opening of two 3rd generation pitches.
"In April, the sport and leisure team merged with the education division and the year ahead will see closer team working alongside active schools and outdoor education teams."
Award winning after dinner speaker Eric Davidson concluded the evening's programme with an entertaining speech to round off a hugely successful event. The Sports Awards were sponsored by BSS Gas Ltd.
Midlothian Sports Award winners 2007 -
Senior Sports Personality: Sarah Clark of Yoshin Judo Club in Gorebridge. Sarah's list of achievements include first place in the 2006 British Senior Championships, first place in the 2006 Senior European Championships and first place in the 2007 World Cup in Prague.
Junior Sports Personality: Luke Thomson (12) of Pathead for his achievements in Archery. In June 2006 he became the UK champion for his age group and won the European Championships in Finland.
A commendation is also awarded to Michael Leslie (14) of Bonnyrigg Snooker Club who is currently the number one ranked youth snooker player in Scotland.
Senior Team Award: Lasswade Rugby Club, following an outstanding season. The club won the East League Region Division 1 League winning 18 matches out of 18 and gaining promotion to National League 3.
Junior Team Award: The Lasswade Athletics Club under-15 Boy’s team. A talented group both individually and collectively, they won the Indoor League under-15s Scottish title and the 4 x 200m relay, breaking the Scottish record.
Coach of the Year: David Somerville and Tony Penfold jointly for their achievements in judo. Tony and David's company 'Just Judo' work in partnership with Midlothian Council to deliver judo sessions and player pathways to participants of all ages. Over 500 participants take part in the sport under their guidance in Midlothian, from primary school age up to senior level.
Service to Local Sport: John Bruce for his 25 years involvement in Scottish swimming. John's roles have included timekeeper, judge, starter, recorder and referee. He has worked with people of all ages and abilities, and has been instrumental in computerising running of
swim events.
A commendation is also awarded to Peter Frame for his 30 year involvement with Loanhead Miners Football Club.
Outstanding Contribution to School Sports Award: Newbattle Community High School's football academy project. Each week more than sixty young people take part in this innovative project where they improve their talents in football as well as their fitness, self-esteem and social skills.
Contact: Public Relations Officer
, Telephone: 0131 271 3576
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