Sports stars of the future were celebrated at a night of sporting achievement – and given inspiration by a former Olympian. Here at Hartlepool College were proud to play host to the annual Hartlepool Sports Council Awards earlier this month. The awards celebrated the sporting achievements of individuals and sports clubs from across Hartlepool.
The night was hosted by Hartlepool Borough Council's chief executive Dave Stubbs and saw a guest appearance from former Great Britain Olympian and WBA Inter-Continental Female Super Middleweight champion, Savannah Marshall. Winners on the night included Head of Hartlepool United’s Community Sports Foundation, Keith Nobbs, who won the Services to Sports Award sponsored by Hart Biologicals.
Keith Nobbs, said: “It was great to be on the shortlist, but I didn’t expect to win. I didn’t know who else was nominated but it was just nice to be in the frame, so it was brilliant when we found out we’d won it. It’s a team effort in the Community Sports Foundation and this kind of award is all down to the great staff I have around me, as well as the support from the trustees and the club. It’s rewarding in itself to try and offer all walks of the community a chance to be involved in and play sport - but it’s always a bonus to pick up an award for the work we do.”
Young Triathlete, Ben Turnbull, walked away with the Primary Rising Star Award, sponsored by J&B Recycling, and West Hartlepool won Outstanding Team of the Year, sponsored Seymour Civil Engineering. Other winners on the night included Coach of the Year, Matthew Turnbull, Outstanding Club, Hartlepool Mavericks, Sports Personality, Jamie Tumilty, Secondary Stars of the Year, Anna Kroon and Rachael Rose, and winner of the Keith Hewitson Award, Kelly Brook.
Shaun Hope, Assistant Principal here at Hartlepool College, said: “It was great for our college to play host to such an inspiring event that really celebrates and promotes the people of Hartlepool. We see many similarities in the behaviours expected of our students and those that these sporting stars exhibit. Those similarities can be seen no more so than in the wonderful speech Savannah gave. As a former college student and current World champion she epitomises the hard work, resilience, ambition and gratitude we believe make athletes and students a success. Well done to all those that were nominated for the awards and the Hartlepool Sports Council for putting on a great event, we look forward to continuing to support”
