Pictured are the Sullivan Upper School Hockey 1st XI Girls

Council presents sports awards

Olympic swimmer, Bethany Firth from Comber, was awarded Sports Person of the Year at the 2015 Ards and North Down Sports Awards on Friday 11 March at Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex.  Bethany was among 14 individuals and teams recognised at the annual event, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The award for Sports Coach of the Year went to Nelson Lindsay from Ards Swimming Club where Bethany is a member.  Swimmer Rebecca Reid also received the title of Sports Person of the Year in the under 15 category with bowler Chloe Watson picking up the award in the under 18 group.

Ballyholme Yacht Club was heralded Sport Team of the Year with Sullivan Upper School Hockey Awards 1st XI Boys and Girls picking up the title in the under 18s category and Bangor Ladies Football Club Under 13s claiming the award in the under 15s category.
Ards Rangers scooped two awards with father-son duo Gary Gallagher and Brandon Gallagher being awarded Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer of the Year under 18s respectively.

Lifetime service recognition awards were also presented to Harold White for his contribution to Orienteering; Jackie McArthur and Ken McMullan for their service to football; and Rab Dunn for his involvement in cricket.
The event was sponsored by Charles Hurst Renault, and individual awards were sponsored by Ulster Bank, Danske Bank, Trophies by Design, Lambert Smith Hampton, Mash Direct, Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, Belvoir Lettings and Progressive Building Society. 

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said: “With more than 100 entries from athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs, we see the strength and depth of sporting talent and commitment locally.  The Sport Awards celebrate this success.  I would like to offer my congratulations to our nominees and our winners.  As well as thanks to everyone who contributes to the promotion of sport, the participation in sport and the development of sport in the Ards and North Down area. May we continue go from success to success!”