Shropshire’s grass-roots sporting stars, and the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep community clubs alive, were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.
One of England’s greatest ever cricketers, Graham Gooch, was the guest speaker at the fifth annual Energize Awards, which were held at the stadium of Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
Val Hanover, of Oswestry, who has promoted the Special Olympics movement for more than 30 years, received The William Penny Brookes trophy.
Another Oswestry winner was athlete and coach Natalie Bathers, named young volunteer of the year.
Shropshire Warriors took the team of the year title – after winning the West Midlands premier division.
The young team of the year trophy went to the under 14 boys at Newport Rugby Club, who recorded a league and cup double.
Other winners included 44-year-old Wrekinsport cyclist Richard Smith, who has represented Great Britain at six World Transplant Games and was voted sports person of the year.
Saffron Allen, of Telford Venom ice hockey club, won the young sports person trophy.
Harper Adams University College, near Newport, picked up the employer of the year prize in recognition of its work encouraging staff to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and Wellington Cricket Club was voted community club of the year.
Alf Clews, a stalwart of the Walkabout Wrekin programme, won the active lifestyles award, Margaret Cooper was recognised for her 60-year connection with local athletics, and the I Can 2 Club, helping disabled youngsters, was named innovative community project of the year.
The awards were organised by the Energize county sports partnership, in association with the Shropshire Star. The Star’s assistant editor Carl Jones was master of ceremonies.
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