MORE than 50 athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, family and friends gathered at Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club to celebrate the Alton and District Sports Council Achievement Awards.

They were there to recognise the valuable contribution to local sport, be it taking part, coaching or volunteering, made by an amazing array of talented sports people and volunteers throughout 2016.

The January 25 event was organised by outgoing Alton and District Sports Council chairman Brian Scowcroft, who stood down after seven years in office at the annual meeting last November.

Having been forced to cancel the previous year’s event due to lack of support, Mr Scowcroft was delighted by the enthusiasm and support for this year’s awards.

Each participant received a certificate printed and donated by Wildly Upbeat Printers of Alton. The awards and certificates were presented by newly-elected treasurer Sylvia Comber, from Alton Trampoline Club, in the absence of chairman Joe Walters, who was away in New Zealand.

The major sponsor was Four Marks and Medstead Rotary Club.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Scowcroft thanked all the sponsors for their support: Wildly Upbeat Printers, Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club for the use of their premises and the help and organisation provided by managers Margaret and Dick Holden and their daughter Claire White.

The event concluded with a buffet supper provided by bowls club caterer Tristan.

Mr Scowcroft also reminded the participating clubs of the value and benefits of membership of Alton and District Sports Council, which is a voluntary sporting organisation representing the major sports in the area.

The winners were:

Sportsman U18: 1. Adam Bannister, Slalom Skiing; 2. Robert Hamilton, Trampolining; 3. Cameron Hamer, Rugby/Cricket.

Sportswoman U18: Molly Carrington, Trampolining and Double Mini.

Disability Sportsman U18: Benedict Tyler, Tennis/Cricket.

Disability Sportswoman U18: Federica Vazzana, Trampolining.

Disability Sportsman Senior: Stuart Sharpe, Trampolining.

Male Coach: Stuart Sharpe, Trampolining.

Female Coach: Francesca Hamilton, Trampolining.

Brian Perschky Team Award: 1. Alton Hockey Club Men’s 1st Team; 2. Alton Bowls Club Green Team.

Four Marks and Medstead Rotary Club Junior Team Award: Alton Hockey Club Girls Under 10.

Senior Volunteer Male: 1. Rob Hannah, Alton Ramblers; 2. Matther Steven, Hockey.

Junior Volunteer: Seren Irwin, Alton Trampoline Club.

Four Marks and Medstead Rotary Club, Club of the Year Award: Alton Social Bowls Club.

Service to Sport: 1. Brian Scrowcroft, Basketball; 2. Alan Pink, Lawn Bowls.

Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Abbie Hunniset, Athletics.

Sports Personality of the Year: John Wakelin, Archery.