Christchurch Sports Achievement Awards

Fifty two of the brightest young sportsmen and women from Christchurch have been honoured at this year’s Sports Achievement Awards held at the Civic Offices.

Fourteen different sports were represented including rowing, sailing, swimming, taekwondo, netball, tennis and basketball.

Gold medals, representing international performance standards, went to Adam Butler, Phil Sparks and Josh Sparks for their achievements in sailing and another went to Stefan Burnett for tennis.  

Adam was the winner of the RYA selection at the Youth World Championships, Phil Spark was RYA Youth National Champion and Josh became the World Champion in the Optimist sailing class World Championships in Brazil 2009. Stefan competed in the under 16 and under 18 Nationals as one of the top 32 young tennis players in Britain

In addition to the gold medals, eight silver awards, representing national performance standards, were presented along with 39 bronze awards, representing county or regional performance standards. Twenty five of the bronze medals were awarded to members of Christchurch Football Club.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg alongside John Moss who was surprised to also receive an award for his dedication to sport.

The award went to John for his commitment to promoting sport and physical activity throughout his adult life. John has held a number of influential positions including Chairman, and later President, of Christchurch and Districts Sports Council.

The Mayor said: “The evening shows the impressive levels of commitment and achievement amongst young people in Christchurch. I am confident that this level of achievement will continue and grow in 2010 as the Olympic Games come closer.”