Poole honours athletes at Poole Sports Awards 2017

The Poole Sports Awards evening, hosted at Magna Academy by Poole Sports Council in partnership with Borough of Poole, celebrated the hard work and dedication of Poole’s sportsmen and women. Everyone Active Leisure Centres in Poole, sponsored the event.

Some 31 individual sportsmen and women, and eight teams, including the Dorset Destroyers Wheelchair Rugby Club and Poole’s Under 14s Netball team, received Certificates of Commendation for outstanding success and achievement.

Graham Sutton was awarded the prestigious Freddie Rowe Trophy for outstanding dedication and services to Cycle Speedway. As chairman and club manager of Poole Cycle Speedway, Graham has been highly instrumental in steering the Poole’s club towards multiple British Team Championships and resulting global recognition as one of the sports most decorated and respected clubs within cycle speedway. Graham was also involved in founding the club’s home in Harbourside Park in the 1980s, and ensuring it is now one of the best cycle speedway venues in the UK.

Receiving an honorary mention after being awarded a British Empire Medal for services to swimming in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours was Jean Holland, life president of Poole Swimming Club.

Cllr Lindsay Wilson, the Mayor of Poole, presented the awards on the evening.

Cllr Wilson said, “The Poole Sports Awards Evening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of Poole’s athletes. I would like to congratulate all those who received their certificates of commendation, and I look forward to watching how Poole’s sporting achievements continue to grow.”