Waveney's sporting excellence was recognised at a glittering awards ceremony.

Eight trophies were presented at the 18th annual Active Waveney Sports Awards held at Rookery Park Golf Club, in Carlton Colville, on Monday, July 13.

Leading sportsmen and sportswomen, clubs and volunteers were all singled out at the event, organised by Waveney District Council and supported by Sentinel Leisure Trust, the Active Waveney Sports Partnership, Waveney Sportsability and The Journal.

Giving the opening speech, Lowestoft mayor Stephen Ardley said: 'The last 12 months in the world of sport have again been an inspiration to us all – what with the success of the women's national team in the football World Cup finals, Wimbledon and the continued success of our own Anthony Ogogo.

'Once again this was another difficult year for the judging panel, with a number of very worthy entries.

'Congratulations to all of our winners this evening. Its important not to forget the huge numbers of coaches, teachers and parents who make successes like these possible.'

The presentation of awards was made by Lowestoft Rising change manager Phil Aves, with the trophies handed out by Mr Ardley and fellow judges Michael Ladd, Waveney district councillor, John Pawsey, from the Active Waveney Sports Partnership, and Waveney Sportsability chairman Rachel Baylis.

The winners will all be automatically entered into the Suffolk Sport Awards later this year.

Mr Aves said: 'I just think when we hear about the talent we have got here in Waveney, and the success that these winners are having, it is amazing.

'The awards have shown appreciation for these successes, highlighting how they have done a great job in these sports.

Judges also included Claire Henwood and Matt Stebbings, from Sentinel Leisure Trust – which runs leisure services on behalf of Waveney District Council – and Journal senior reporter Mark Boggis.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Active Waveney Sports Awards, established in 1997, are designed to recognise and reward sporting sensations in the Waveney area, whether they've excelled as an individual or team player or have made a significant contribution to sport in a non-playing capacity.

Examples include the highest standard of coaching and development, raising the profile of sport and disability sport, encouraging involvement at all levels or providing sporting opportunities to all ages and abilities.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Best Sportsman – Christopher Jackson (cycling)

Christopher is a pupil/boarder in the sixth form at Saint Felix School. 2014 was his first year as a junior (U19) cyclist. So far this season he is top junior in the eastern region.

Best Sportswoman – Marcie Prettyman (football)

As the best right back in the league, Marcie has been awarded Suffolk Football Association's ladies player of the season. She was described as 'a force to be reckoned with' and a 'true ambassador' for ladies' football.

Best Junior Sportsman – Ross Wilson (racquet sports)

Ross is a racquet sports all-rounder, having successfully represented the county in three different sports, and reached the county final in a fourth sport. He has claimed one British championship plus two county championship titles and competed in a world championship, as well as winning medals in various team and individual events throughout the year.

Best Junior Sportswoman – Katie Nesbitt (swimming)

Katie is a para-swimmer and is on the world-class podium potential programme with British Swimming, on average spending 20 hours training each week. In the last year, Katie has taken part in many competitions achieving several personal bests. At the 2014 Junior European swimming championships in the Netherlands she won four golds and one bronze medal. Her target is qualifying for Rio 2016 and making the podium at Tokyo 2020.

Best Team – Lowestoft Ladies FC (football)

Lowestoft Town Ladies Football Club have won every league game throughout the 2014/15 season, securing the Eastern Woman's Premier Division title and promotion. The front three of Natasha Thomas, Zoe Cossey and Hannah Waters scored 114 league and cup goals between them. The team made it a league and cup double by adding the League Cup with a 3-1 win over Royston Town in the final.

Long Service Award – Clinton Gillet (martial arts)

Clinton's passion for sporting activity started as a result of his Perthes Disease, which meant that from the age of four until he was about eight he could not walk and was in callipers, plaster casts and a wheelchair. Despite this start, he achieved his first black belt in Taekwando aged 16 and won several national trophies, also representing his school in rugby, football, badminton and cricket.

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Most Valuable Contribution to Sport – Tim Millett (swimming)

Tim has been head coach for more than 10 years at the Beccles town swimming club, guiding them to a high level of achievement and success. The club had a record number of entrants at the Suffolk County Championships in Ipswich earlier this year and earned a bronze medal for the boys' open medley relay team. Tim was described as being 'passionate and dedicated to his team,' as well as being 'a true inspiration,' to those he works with,

Most Valuable Contribution To Disabled Sport – Andrew Provan (boccia)

Andrew is an active member of many community groups and well known for promoting disability sport in the Waveney area. Andrew's interest in sport, and primarily Boccia, started when he was a student at The National Star Centre in Cheltenham. He improved over the years and reached his peak by representing England in international matches. For many years he pushed for a Boccia club to be set up locally, and has been involved in the establishment of the Lowestoft Boccia Club from its launch in 2010.