THE SIXTH annual sports awards were held at the Winchester Guildhall earlier this month celebrating sporting achievements across the district.

The Winchester District Sport and Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA) handed out 14 different awards recognising coaches, volunteers, sportsmen and women over the past year.

Presenting the awards was Dorset’s most decorated athlete, six-time Paralympic cycling Gold Medalist and holder of five World Records, Darren Kenny.

Cllr Rob Humby, deputy leader at Winchester City Council, said: “It has been a fantastic event tonight, we’ve managed to celebrate the successes of our athletes and recognise all of the time and effort local coaches and volunteers put in to make a sporting difference in our District. I would like to personally thank those involved, winners and highly commended, as they have again shown how fantastic sport is in Winchester!”

Stuart Barlow, chair of the Winchester District SPAA, added: “In the last year the SPAA has seen the launch of its five year strategy and is now on the way to ensuring a local legacy for the Olympics is delivered. We have worked hard to offer events and opportunities at a grassroots level that encourage people of all ages to be more active.

“One noteworthy achievement is the 150% increase in disability sports opportunities since the creation of our sub group the Winchester District Disability Sports Forum.”

Sport Hampshire & IOW county awards:

This year's winners were:

Junior Sportsman – Jacob Farren-Price

Sailing Junior Male Volunteer – Jack Messenger

Athletics Junior Female Volunteer – Olivia Probert

Netball Primary School Team of the Year – Sparsholt Primary Year 3 & 4

Football Team Secondary School Team of the Year – Winchester College Judo Squad Junior Team

Squall Netball Club Senior Sportswoman – India Lee

Triathlon Masters Sportsman – Alan Murchison

Duathlon Masters Sportswoman – Lindsey Andrews

Karate Outstanding Personal Achievement – Ben Leung

Multi Sport Coach of the Year – Eddie Owusu

Basketball Senior Volunteer – Paddy Shephard

Table Tennis Senior Team – Winchester Rugby Club 1st XV

Rugby Club of the Year – Winchester Rugby Club

Rugby Nominations for next year’s county awards are now open.