SASSOT Sports Awards Ceremony 2017
On the 8th November 2017 Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent held the annual SASSOT Sports Awards Ceremony. Taking place in The County Buildings, the location was the perfect setting for the special evening. The evening saw great talent, commitment and inspiring stories being recognised from many different organisations. Showcasing a range of age, ability and backgrounds, the ceremony ensured everyone was appreciated and awarded.
The ceremony began with an opening speech from our newly-appointed Board Chair Malcolm Armstrong. The guest speaker was then welcomed, para-badminton player Rebecca Bedford, who shared with us her inspirational story and accomplishments.
The award giving then commenced with each award being presented by a variety of councillors, SASSOT board members and other special guests. One of the awards given was the Power of Sport Award supported by BBC Radio Stoke, presented by Lee Blakeman. The winner of this award was Kathy Munslow, a 69-year-old volunteer for SSAFA “The Armed Forces Charity”. Kathy’s story was inspiring because of how she went from only being able to complete 2 miles on her shopping bike, to partaking in the 160 miles “Ride to the Somme” and raising over £2,000. The ride was close to Kathy’s heart as her grandfather, a member of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps was posted there aged 18.
Another inspiring story came from the winner of the Aspiring Athlete of the Year Award, Coni Mae Cartwright who is currently English, British and International U10s Kata Champion. She has won 9 UK Open titles in 3 years and also been drafted into the England Youth system at the age of 9, becoming the youngest ever competitor into the system by a whole year. (Presented by Janene Cox).
After the awards were given, everyone dispersed and socialised with others before the winners and runners up congregated for a group photo with their trophies at the bottom of the building’s grand staircase.
The evening was a great success and paid homage to all of the hard-working individuals and organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
View all the winners and runners up from the evening
