WINNERS: Pride Of Tameside Sports Awards Review

The Pride of Tameside Sport and Physical Activity Awards returned on Friday night - and there were plenty of worthy winners across nine different categories.

The event, which ran from 7-9pm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, celebrated the achievements of clubs, groups and individuals over the past 12 months.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions placed on sports and large social gatherings, the event had been cancelled over the past two years but returned with a bang on Friday night.

Unfortunately, owing to the cost of living crisis, organisers made the difficult decision to reform the ceremony and base the awards on their online platforms.

The changes didn't dampen the spirits, and nominees across the different categories organised their own social gatherings to celebrate the occasion. Tameside Netball Club, whose long-serving coach Jane Chisnall won the Unsung Hero of the Year award, hosted their own get-together, whilst Stalybridge Cricket Club - which had nominations in two categories this year - opened its bar facility for players, family members and volunteers.

@TamesideSeniors @TamesideNC preparing for the #TSPANAWARDS22 with our own gathering 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/hTbWkpEpX8

— Laura Chisnall (@ChisnallLaura) September 30, 2022

Reminder the Active Tameside Sport & Physical Activity awards are this Friday where we are nominated for Community Club of the Year and Stuart Barnes up for Unsung Hero

The bar will be open for a few drinks to watch the winners announced online with all welcome to join us
🏆 🍻 https://t.co/pKVjR9jdPb

— Stalybridge Cricket Club (@StalybridgeCC) September 28, 2022

Before the ceremony began, an inspirational speech was delivered by former professional boxer and Commonwealth Champion Stacey Copeland, who enjoyed an incredible career in both football and boxing before taking up media duties upon her retirement last year. Stacey, who created the Pave The Way project - which aims to inspire women and girls through sport but also promotes women who work in sport but are not athletes and therefore receive little recognition for their efforts - is a highly respected figure in the borough. As well as delivering  a TEDx speech in Manchester in 2020, Stacey has also inspired the younger generation by visiting local schools to carry out workshops and assemblies on human potential.

We were overwhelmed by the number of nominations this year which shows just how much the sport and physical activity community are admired and appreciated. THANK YOU! 👏

Here's a few words from our Active Champion Stacey Copeland!#TSPANAWARDS22 @newsintameside @DaviesSportsUK pic.twitter.com/MrX0OxgY66

— Active Tameside (@active_tameside) September 30, 2022

Stacey's speech set the tone for the evening, and once thanks had been given to event sponsors Davies Sports, the event commenced - starting with the Coach of the Year category. Taking third spot was Julian Mallalieu of Tameside Karate Club, whilst East Cheshire Harriers' Glenn Piper scooped second place. The winner on the evening was Kiera Byland, a 6x gold medalist in the Special Olympics, who coaches at Mossley Cycle Racing Team, which is based at the Tameside Stadium. Kiera was included in the Queen's Birthday Honours list and received a British Empire Medal in June 2021.

Just a few months before receiving the honour, we spoke to Kiera to get her thoughts on the importance of cycling for mental health amongst other things.

Next up was the Alex Williams Volunteer of the Year award. The honour was created in memory of Alex, who suffered a fatal stroke in August 2012 at the age of 18. 

Dukinfield Town & Youth FC's Jo Smith took third spot, whilst Denton Artistic Swimming Club's Nikki Rowney came second. The winner on the evening was Laura Day, secretary and coach at Ashton Pumas GFC, who spends countless hours ensuring the next generation of female footballers are given the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game. Laura featured on a segment for BBC Breakfast in the wake of England's victory in the Women's European Championship, expressing her delight in the exposure given to women's football and the role models it had created for young girls  If you're after watching a bit of football this weekend, you can watch Laura in action as she also plays for Hyde United Women, who are hosting AFC Oldham at the Project Solar Stadium on Sunday - 12.30pm kick-off.

The next category of the evening was the Inclusion and Diversity Award. All three nominees were worthy winners, however only one would scoop the prize.

In third place were Mossley Cycle Racing Team, followed by Curzon Ashton Community Foundation in second, which is headed up by Mike Smith and Isaac Keast. The Foundation has become an integral part of the local community - both on and off the pitch. As well as delivering training sessions in schools, Mike and Isaac coordinate the club's two disabled teams, as well as the Military Veterans squad. 

Over the past year, the Veterans have swapped the pitch and boots for the garden centre and trowels. It’s been part of the 'Plot to Plate’ scheme, which has been taking place every Wednesday at DB Garden Nurseries in Hyde. The veterans have turned an empty wasteland into a beautiful area full of colourful plants and benches.

We spoke to DB Garden Nurseries' Becky Slate about the scheme, and we also caught up with Isaac to get his thoughts on the power of the initiative.

Highly Commended in the category was Ashton Fencing Club, which is based at Astley Sports Village in Dukinfield. Over the past 12 months, the club has attempted to break the stigma surrounding the sport by offering local school pupils a free taster session during the half-term breaks.

The sessions have been funded by the Fuel 4 Fun holiday scheme - a programme that offers free holiday club places to young people on benefit related free school meals. 

We spoke to Barry Massey, Ashton's Chairman, and Mark Storie, Astley Sports Village Director, to get their thoughts on the camps.

https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/watch-pupils-sample-a-taste-of-fencing/

The winner of the category was Your Well-Being Company. Headed up by Sarah Crossley, the company is based in nurseries, schools, local community, SEN establishments and workplaces. It provides attendees with an opportunity chance to sample yoga, breathing techniques and other calming exercises. 

Just before the summer break in August, we caught up with Sarah , to find out how the pupils have reacted to her mindfulness and wellbeing sessions.

We'll be reviewing the rest of the winners in due course. As usual, the printed version of the Tameside Reporter will feature a two-page spread on all the winners in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for that one!