NORTH EAST SPORTS AWARDS 2007 WINNERS – PREMIER ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNISED

Local champions were recognised for their outstanding achievements in sport at the North East Sports Awards on Sunday 25 November 2007.

Hosted by Sport England North East, BBC in the North East & Cumbria, Sunderland City Council and One NorthEast the annual event, held at the Seaburn Centre in Sunderland, was attended by sportswomen, sportsmen and local business people who celebrated the success of both winners and nominees.



During the evening, ex Manchester Utd captain and Sunderland AFC manager Roy Keane scooped the top award of Sports Personality of the Year, joining the ranks of Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Harmison and Jonathon Edwards. Securing promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland AFC on April 29 this year, Roy was recognised for his outstanding performance in 2007.

Arguably the greatest Paralympian the world has ever seen, Dame Tanni Gray-Thompson was presented with the Jackie Milburn award for her outstanding contribution to sport on an international, national and local level. Over her career, she has won a total of 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, held over 30 world records, and won the London Marathon six times between 1997 and 2002.Tanni achieved all this whilst working tirelessly as a great ambassador for sport, enthusing and inspiring thousands to get more active.

One of the region’s brightest young stars, Jemma Lowe, was presented with the Junior Sports Achievement award. Ranked 10th in the world in 100m Butterfly and British Record holder for the same event Jemma is already out classing her age group as British Seniors Champion in 100m and 200m Butterfly and is definitely one to look out for in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Disabled Sports Person of the Year award went to Gary Davies, the England captain for the cerebral palsy football team. Gary has played for England for six years and just returned from the World Cup in Brazil.

Other individuals awarded for their sporting achievements were Paul Collingwood, who went away with the Performance of the Year award, and Gateshead Harriers Coach John Stephenson who was presented with the Coach of the Year award.

Organisations were also recognised for their contributions to sport. The Governing Body of Sport award was presented to Northumberland Rugby Football Union, whilst the Team of the Year award went to Durham Cricket Club.

The winner of the BBC North East and Cumbria Sports Unsung Hero Award, Keith Everitt, a football coach from Hartlepool, was also announced at the ceremony.

Judith Rasmussen, regional director for Sport England North East, commented:  “Once again it has been a fantastic sporting year in the North East. It was a privilege to celebrate the tremendous achievements of some amazing people, from household names to the unsung heroes, all were worthy winners, though it was an extremely difficult choice with so many successes to choose from. As always the calibre of nominees were extremely high and all deserve thanks for the great job they do in sport in the region.

“We hope that many will be inspired by the achievements of the winners this year, be it to start participating in sport for fun and enjoyment or to push even further for success on the world stage.

“Nothing can top the region’s passion for sport and as we move into an Olympic year and the real beginning of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, where better than here in the North East to lead a major cultural change of participation? What a year 2008 promises to be.”

Nominees & Winners

Sports Personality of the Year
Paul Collingwood
Roy Keane
Niall Quinn

Jackie Milburn Award
Dame Tanni Grey Thompson

Junior Sports Awards
David Daniell –cycling
Kimberley Hay –squash
Jemma Lowe –swimming

Performance of the Year
Paul Collingwood – cricket
Ottis Gibson – cricket
Graeme Storm – golf

Ralph Hindle Support to Sport
Durham County FA
Durham Harriers
Gateshead College

Coach of the Year
Geoffrey Cook –cricket
Barry Jameson –athletics
John Stephenson – athletics

Team of the Year
Durham Cricket Club
Newcastle Eagles
Sunderland AFC

Disabled Sports Person of the Year
Keith Brenton –bowls
Gary Davies – football
William Smith – badminton

Roger Hopson Governing Body of Sport
Northumberland County Badminton Association
Northumberland RFU
Northumberland Tyne & Wear Basketball Area Association

BBC North East & Cumbria Sports Unsung Hero
John Sales
James Pickering
Keith Everitt