Awards evening hits the high notes

The celebratory presentation evening took place at the Parklands Leisure Centre and was put together by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Everyone Active and the Local Sport Alliance 'Active Oadby & Wigston'. Special guest, Tommy Reffell, one of Leicester Tigers young rising stars was tasked with presented the awards to each of the category winners.

Flanker Tommy who made his Tigers senior debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat at Bath in November 2017 and has captained Wales at Under-18s and Under-20s level was aided in his hosting duties by the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston Cllr David Carter and event compere Gaynor Nash, ex Leicester Ladies and Wales hockey player.

There was also gravity–defying entertainment, provided by the RDC Supremacy cheerleaders and a closing address from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's leader, Cllr John Boyce.

The central focus of course was on our local sporting success stories that formed the nominations and eventual award winners. The thirteen categories and the worthy winners were:

• Best shop window celebrating 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 - Wigston' s Woodside Charity Shop
• Junior Sportsman of the Year -Tyler Hames
• Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Mya Acharya
• Physical Activity Participation Award - Alison Emery
• Junior Volunteer/ Coach / Leader of the Year - Matthew Hampson & Jamie Williams
• Adult Volunteer/ Coach / Leader of the Year - Haf Katib
• Disabled Sportsman / Woman of the Year - Chris McMillan
• Everyone Active Member of the Year Award - Doris Doswell
• Junior Team / Club / Group of the Year - Wigston Foxes FC
• Adult Team / Club / Group of the Year (Community)- Parklands Ladies Running Club
• Adult Team / Club / Group of the Year (Elite) - OWLS Athletic Club
• Sport Personality of the Year - Sophie Holmes
• Unsung Hero Award - Leanne Naudusevics

The Sport Personality of the Year title was awarded to Sophie Holmes, who is the current British Champion at both Figure skating and Free-Roller skating.

Sophie who also finished 7th in Europe for figure skating, securing a bronze medal in the combined event, said: "It has been a great evening and I have really enjoyed it. Was amazing to be able to see the other nominated candidates and to discover what other people have done for Oadby and Wigston.

"Winning the Sports Personality award is great - it really helps people to see what I do outside of the world of skating."

The Unsung Hero category winner was awarded to Leanne Naudusevics, who started the Wigston Foxes Inclusive Football team, which has successfully championed all-inclusiveness for children with special needs.

The Football Association have even asked if Leanne can now help with the entire inclusive league due to her efforts!

"Is great to see the club and the volunteers, not just me, recognised for all the hard work," were Leanne's initial thoughts on receiving her award, as she made a point to thank all her colleagues who have helped her in the cause for greater sporting inclusivity.

As the evening drew to a close, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council's Head of Leisure & Wellbeing, Avril Lennox MBE, commented on the event as a whole: "Another fantastic Awards Evening has taken place and it has been a great celebration of sport and physical activity - congratulations to all the nominees and category winners.

"A special thank you must go out to Everyone Active for supporting and hosting our event once again this year.

"Next year sees our 10th Awards Evening anniversary and we are already planning exciting activities for this landmark occasion."

The last word must go to Tiger's Tommy Reffell. Reflecting on the success of the night and his invitation to undertake presentation duties, Tommy said: "I have really enjoyed it – it has been a very busy night. I'd like to say a big well done to all the award winners and everybody that was nominated."