Staff, students, parents and key partners ascended on the Conference Centre at Hartlepool College of Further Education recently for the first Annual Sports Awards evening. The evening was a celebration of student and College successes throughout the past 12 months.

Encouraged by a crowd of over 200, Shaun Hope, Head of Sports Development compered the evening and introduced the awards with an overview of what has been a remarkable year for sport at the College. With the newly formed Hartlepool Sporting Association as the foundation, the College has produced some remarkable sporting achievements and developments. Buoyed by the recent announcement of success in the Football Focus College accreditation and Rugby College accreditation the crowd eagerly awaited the announcement of the 6 category winners.

The first award, the Student Association award, was aimed at all those students participating in enrichment activities across College. The panel assessed nominees on their commitment to their sport and eagerness to encourage others. The worthy winner of this award was Tony Jenkins. Tony was an integral part of the rugby team and proved his commitment with an ever-present attendance at games and a desire to encourage others to join the team.

The second award focused on an area at which the College excels - volunteering. The volunteer of the year was for the person who not only amassed volunteering hours but made a significant impact to his/her sport. The winner of this award was recent BTEC Sport graduate, Jaz Bradley. This volunteering award will sit along side Jaz’s previous award as Volunteer of the year for Hartlepool.

Next were the awards for the College’s new Sports Academies. Head coaches Lee Davie and Ian Clark gave an overview of their academy year and presented the awards. The respective winners for Basketball and Football, Laura Howe and Mark Lilley, were successful as a result of their high level academy performances, improved academic grades and leadership skills.                                                     

The College’s Individual Sports Award was for those students who compete in their chosen sport away from College but are supported to ensure they are as successful as they can be. A shortlist of Great Britain Ice Hockey player Scott Cooper and Great Britain Roller Hockey pair Toby Jackson and Mark Dodd made for a very challenging decision for the panel. However, Scot Cooper just edged it to be named the first Hartlepool College of Further Education Individual Sports Award winner.

The penultimate award, the RESPECT award, proved inspiring as the audience heard of individuals who overcame significant barriers to participate in sport; on occasions for the first time in their lives. A very worthy winner of this award was Rebecca Sewell who not only overcome her own barriers to sport, but also supported her peers to overcome theirs.

Before the final and most prestigious award was announced the crowd were treated to an insight into the life of a sports personality and former international athlete, Tony Morrell.  Tony, the HSA ambassador, gave an inspiring speech on the sacrifices and commitments he has made to be successful and encouraged, and likened this to the fantastic work being carried out by students as they combine a demanding education with some remarkable sporting achievements. Tony remained on stage to present the award to the College’s first Sports Personality of the Year, Jaz Bradley.  A great achievement for Jaz and recognition for the dedication she puts in; not only to her own sporting performances but to the experiences of others through a diverse range of volunteering opportunities.

A truly successful sporting year for HCFE!