Shropshire celebrates international athletic success

Shropshire Council hosted the John Beswick International Awards Evening on Tuesday 31 January 2017. During the evening 36 of Shropshire’s finest international athletes received recognition awards of their achievements. 

The Guest of Honour was Joe Leach, Worcestershire County Cricket Club Captain.  Joe, a former Shrewsbury School pupil and a previous recipient of the John Beswick Secondary School Team Award in 2005, presented these awards to the prestigious young people.  

Joe said:-

“It was a great pleasure to be asked to come and speak at this presentation, to meet so many inspiring young people and to hear of their successes in their chosen sport.” 

Among the awards that were given out included the Derek Hayward Primary School Sport Award which was won by Adcote School’s U11 and U9 gymnastics squad and the John Beswick Secondary School Team Award which was won by Thomas Telford’s U18 boys football team. Long Service Awards were also presented to Steve Wilderspin for services to schools football and Phil Lloyd for his services to schools cricket. 

This event was organised in conjunction with the Shropshire Schools Sports & Athletics Association which is the umbrella organisation for 15 county schools sports associations. This association supports inter-area competitions, county schools representative teams as well as providing financial support for general administration and transport costs. 

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:- 

“The event was well attended by the winners and their families as well as representatives from Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin schools, County Sports Associations and representatives from Shropshire Council. It is great to highlight the talent within our county and wonderful to hear about their successes.” 

For further information about the event please contact Sean McCarthy, Sports Development Officer at sean.mccarthy@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 255933.