Unsung sports stars shine at Black Country ceremony

The seventh annual Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Awards celebrated the achievements of the region's talent over the last year.

The ceremony, at Wolverhampton's Ramada Park Hall Hotel, featured an array of stars, while also giving some unsung heroes a moment in the spotlight.

It was opened by director of Black Country BeActive Partnership, Simon Hall, who spoke of their new campaign launch – #whatsyourmotivation – to encourage more to take up sport in the region.

"We need to get 42,000 more adults doing sport to get to the national average," he explained. "If we could do this then we would save around £21 million on obesity and certain cancers, including saving Black Country businesses around £9.3 billion a year.

"It is really important we help more people find their motivation as we want everyone to be active every day," he added.

In its 10th year of partnership with Black Country BeActive, more than 30 individuals and organisations were nominated for awards, with Halesowen's wheelchair tennis champion Jordanne Whiley MBE winning gongs in two of the categories.

The 23-year-old's mother, Julie Whiley, was presented with the awards for Disabled Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year, while Jordanne competes in the Wheelchair Doubles Masters in California.

Mrs Whiley couldn't wait to speak of her admiration and pride for her daughter, who had also sent a personal video message to give thanks on the night. "I am very proud of her and how well she has done and continues to do," she said.

"She will be so pleased with winning both awards, and although she is in California at the minute I know she can't wait to offer thanks to everyone who nominated her."

In the pre-recorded video message Jordanne encouraged youngsters to 'try something they were interested in' and not to give up on reaching their dreams and aspirations when faced with a disability.

The awards follow a remarkable year for her, including winning doubles Grand Slams at Wimbledon and the Australian Open alongside winning her first singles championship at the US Open in September – the first British woman to do so. She also received an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Following the ceremony she tweeted a picture of her mother with both trophies – as she announced she had made it to the final in California and won the Sky Sports Disability Sportswoman of the Year award too.

From a young tennis champion to a 72-year-old volunteer at Darlaston Town Football Club – another award-winner welcomed to the stage with cheers was Gilbert Preece, who scooped the Unsung Hero award.

He continues to work tirelessly at the club, as he has done for the past 33 years.

Taking on any job asked of him, from mowing the lawn to being a coach and club secretary, he is a crucial part of a club – which has been a focal point of the community for generations. After being presented with the gong he said: "I am overcome.

"I've got the whole of the committee with me here tonight cheering me on – they are like family to me. I've got no plans on giving up yet. The club is part of me as well as the community and that will never change.

"I might put the award by the side of the bed tonight," he laughed.

Darlaston was not the only football team to be honoured, as the Tividale Football Academy scooped the Community Club of the Year.

Guest speaker for the evening was six-time gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete David Weir, who delivered an inspiring speech about how he fulfilled his ambitions.

He said: "I've always loved winning, but I have got to offer special thanks to my coach, family and community who always stood by me."

David picked up four gold medals competing in the London Paralympic games in 2012 and is now in training for Rio in 2016. "To be at the London Paralympics was amazing. It really is the stuff dreams are made of," he added.

Young Sportsperson of the Year went to alpine skiing champion Jordan Fellows, from Walsall, who recently won the under 18's British National Junior Championships.

He said: "I just got back from training abroad last night.

"I am in absolute shock but it makes it all worth it to be recognised in this way."

Meanwhile, Corey Clarke from Warley Boxing Club was named Newcomer of the Year, with the 18-year-old from Birmingham saying it proves hard work does pay off.

"This gives you the incentive to carry on going when you have bad days – but I didn't think I was going to win, I'm really grateful," he added.

School of the Year was awarded to St Margarets of Hasbury, with lead PE teacher, Helen Cook, labelling it an amazing achievement for such a small school. The school provides 21 PE and health-related clubs.

The Business in Sport award went to Yale and Assa Abbey, who over the past year have sponsored Wednesfield Aces Cycle Speedway Club and 17-year-old debutant at the Karate World Championships, Chloe Machin, from Willenhall.

Community Coach of the Year went to Richard Newell, who has coached children from all over the Black Country in football for the past 10 years. Mr Newell, from Dudley, said: "To come to an evening like this and get an award it amazing, I'm in shock."

The Free Physical Activity Timetable, based in Walsall, won the Community Project of the Year award. Organisers Becky Britton and Matt Petchey stage exercise sessions for people of all ages across the borough, including pilates, aerobics and aqua-natal classes.

Miss Britton, from Lichfield, said: "It is incredibly nice to be recognised when so much hard work has gone in over the past year, and we are constantly looking to add to our timetables."

Some of the biggest cheers of the night were saved for a surprise award for one of Britain's greatest former professional cyclists, Hugh Porter, as he received the Elvis Gordon Chair's Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to both sport and the Black Country as a whole.

The 75-year-old, from Wolverhampton, said: "This is a fantastic addition to a very special year for me."

Express & Star deputy editor Diane Davies, who was a judge on the panel, praised the winners, saying it had been a tough decision.

She added: "They are all fantastic sporting heroes and worthy winners. Congratulations to them all. I'm delighted the Express & Star has been involved in the fantastic ceremony."