Bideford's Young Sporting Stars Honoured in Presentation Evening

Young Sporting Stars of the present and future from across the district have been honoured in the annual Sporting Stars presentation evening held on Friday 22nd January 2010 at Tanton's Hotel in Bideford.

Around 70 people attended the presentation evening which comes at the end of a series of Sports Programmes organised by Torridge District Council and run throughout the school holidays for young people aged between three and 16 who live in Torridge.

The event, now in its 12th year, recognizes and rewards the achievements of the children participating in these activities, and is held to thank sports coaches for their hard work throughout the year.

During the course of the sports programmes, coaches worked to identify and nominate sporting participants for their effort and attitude, who they felt deserved an award in any of the following categories;

Star Perfomer All Rounder Great Attitude Effort and Enthusiasm Gifted and Talented Newcomer

Over 50 nominations were received and the team of judges assessed and adjudicated them to identify the final winners. The awards were presented by local sporting champion England Surf Lifesaver Gracie Dack and by Councillor James Morrish, who said, "As Leader of the Council I am delighted that we could play our part in helping so many young people throughout the District realize some of their sporting potential. Our holiday courses are always well run and very well attended, and it is clear there is a lot of talent in our area. The young people here tonight represent our future and it's a really bright future too. It's been a lot of fun here tonight and one of the highlights of my year as Leader."

Local hero Gracie Dack told the assembled youngsters how, through her sporting achievements, she had represented Devon and England and had the opportunity to go to countries such as Canada and Japan. She said, "It's been a fantastic evening and I hope that the youngsters realize that, if they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything!"

Chair of Torridge District Council Cllr Margaret Brown said: "We are delighted that Torridge has supported this event for many years. It is heartwarming to see so many keen and talented young people who have performed so well. It's a real privilege to be here".The next Torridge Sports Programme will be held during the Easter Holidays. For further information on the available courses and holiday activities throughout the District, please contact James Jarroudi on 01237 428737.