It was a night of celebration for the Bridlington community as the inaugural Sports & Community Awards 2021 attracted dozens of entries and hundreds of guests at a sparkling event held at the CYP arena.
Almost two hundred nominees, their families and friends attended the event with a champagne reception before the event kicked-off. The evening was hosted by Paul Smith, Director at East Riding College and the MC for the evening was Mike Connolly.
A total of thirteen awards were up for grabs, with plenty of different sports and community sections represented across the nominations.
Judges from ER College, the CYP and the Bridlington Echo had a hard time selecting the winners – but in the eyes of our judges and wider community – all the nominees were worthy of winning an award.
A special and poignant moment in the evening was a standing ovation given to Leanne Grainger and her sons Harrison and Rafferty, who collected the Special Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award on behalf of her late husband and well loved and respected football coach and player Paul Grainger.
Paul sadly died aged just 40 in 2020, and had been a hugely popular local footballer player in the area.
After a long and illustrious football career, Paul moved on to coaching and had great success with his Bridlington Rangers teams.
A charity foundation has been set up in his name by his wife Leanne last year to keep his sporting legacy alive.
Headlands School came away with two awards – with headteacher Sarah Bone collecting the Community Award and David Stamper receiving his award for Teacher of the Year after organising the hugely successful Tour de Bridlington events.
The Bridlington Road Runners also came away with two awards for Josh Taylor and Nicola Fowler.
Bridlington Rugby Club also achieved the double with awards for Andrew Kempton and Neil Arton.
Paul Smith from ER College said: “What a great evening. Thanks to all who came along and saw what talent and support the local sporting community has. I would personally like to thank Damien at the CYP for all his help and our media partner – The Bridlington Echo for all their publicity and help in getting the inaugural awards off the ground. We are looking forward to next year’s event already.”
After the awards, a fabulous buffet was provided thanks to David Leaf and the catering and hospitality staff and students from ER College.
5. Roan Stanley -Sportsperson of the Year. Bridlington Amateur Boxing Club.
6. Jack Shephard – Junior Sportsperson of the Year. England/Wales/British Skiing.
Roll of Honour.
1. Josh Taylor – Coach of the Year. Bridlington Road Runners.
2. Keely Coverdale – Community Award, Keely’s Dance School.
3. Sarah Bone – Community Award. Headlands School.
4. Nicola Fowler – Disability Sports Award, Bridlington Road Runners.
5. Roan Stanley -Sportsperson of the Year. Bridlington Amateur Boxing Club.
6. Jack Shephard – Junior Sportsperson of the Year. England/Wales/British Skiing.
7. David Stamper – Teacher of the Year. Headlands School Tour de Bridlington.
8. Andrew Kempton – Unsung Hero. Bridlington Rugby Club.
9. Team of the Year – Bridlington Rangers Saxons.
10. Outstanding Contribution (Club) – Bridlington Rovers Millau.
11. Club of the Year – Bridlington Cricket Club.
12. Special Outstanding Contribution – Paul Grainger for services to local football.
* Neil Arton won the Lifetime Achievement Award fro Bridlington Rugby Club, but was unable to collect his award.
