Shropshire’s sporting stars – and the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep community clubs alive – were celebrated at an awards ceremony on Thursday, October 21.

Three-time Olympic javelin medallist, Steve Backley, was guest speaker at the fourth annual Energize Awards, held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club and addressed representatives of a wide range of sports.

Boxing veteran Colin Hough, who helped to re-form Shrewsbury and Severnside club in the 1980s and remains committed to training the next generation of stars, received the The William Penny Brookes trophy for his outstanding contribution .

Neil Bradshaw, of Shropshire Disabled Cricket Squad, was named coach of the year, while George “Vic” Perkins was volunteer of the year for his work with Ludlow swimming. The young volunteer title went to Claire Owen, 19, from Shrewsbury Netball Club.

Shropshire County Cricket Club was named team of the year.

The sports person of the year went to Shaun Rigby of Madeley Cricket Club, the first physically disabled player to be signed up to the England Cricket Board’s “emerging player” programme.

Whitchurch-based Grocontinental was named Employer of the Year, in recognition of its fundraising work and links to sports clubs.

Other winners included synchronised swimmers from Thomas Telford School, Pengwern Boat Club of Shrewsbury, Telford & Wrekin’s “I Can 2″ project helping disabled youngsters, and Andrew Neary of Wellington Flippers swimming club.

Steve Peters, who chairs the Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin board, said: “These awards say thank-you to those who are so vital to the survival of community sport.”

The awards were organised by the Energize sports partnership, in association with the Shropshire Star.

The winners

• COACH: Neil Bradshaw
• VOLUNTEER: George Perkins
• YOUNG VOLUNTEER: Claire Owen
• SPORTS PERSON: Shaun Rigby
• YOUNG SPORTS PERSON: Jess Pugh
• COMMUNITY CLUB: Pengwern Boat Club
• TEAM: Shropshire County Cricket Club
• JUNIOR TEAM: Thomas Telford Synchronised Swimming
• INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT: Telford & Wrekin “I Can 2″
• ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Andrew Neary
• EMPLOYER: GroContinental
• OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION: Colin Hough

By Carl Jones