YOUNG sports people from the Bude, Launceston and Camelford areas attended the fifth North Cornwall Sports Awards held at Wadebridge Leisure Centre on Wednesday, November 26.

The biennial awards, being held for the fifth and sadly final time by North Cornwall District Council, recognise sporting achievements as well as acknowledging the people who work so hard supporting sporting activities across the district.

Geoffrey Samuels, NCDC Sports Develop­ment Officer, planned the event: "This year we pulled out all the stops and the sports hall was decked out with backlit projectors and a pumping sound system. As the hall filled up before the event, excitement rose as people saw what was in store for the evening.

"As nominees made their way to the stage backed by cheers from their friends, family and colleagues and their own individual sound track, they were simultaneously filmed with their image beamed onto the two screens either side of the stage.

"Once the winners had been announced, they made their way back to the stage to yet another round of applause backed by a rocking soundtrack.

"We were then all lucky enough to see a short film of them in action, showing exactly why their talent or contribution to sport in North Cornwall was being recognised by NCDC.

"Thank you to all the sponsors and everyone else who gave their time to make the evening such a great success."

Cllr Linda Spear, Chair of the NCDC Community Services Committee, said: "The fifth and final North Cornwall Sports awards were another fantastic success and I am proud of the staff who worked so hard to take the event to an even higher level than the 2006 ceremony.

"The hall was packed which demonstrates both the level of interest, and the fantastic sporting talent we have here in North Cornwall. Many of the nominees represent not just Cornwall, but England, and many are hopefuls for the 2012 Olympic Games.

"I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners, on their success, dedication and commitment to sport, and I am already looking forward to hopefully seeing some of their names in lights in London 2012.

"I also want to thank everyone who coaches, volunteers, and is involved in sport in North Cornwall. Without them we would not have the many successful young sports people we are lucky enough to have within the district, and I am glad that we are able to recognise this through the Sports Awards.

"It would be great if the new authority could continue to build on this excellent event for the benefit of the whole of the county."

Following the awards, the council recognised the success of the Olympians and Paralympians from North Cornwall who took part in the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.

Annie Vernon, rowing Silver medallist, gave a great overview of her time at the Olympics and in the Olympic village, including tales of chicken head soup, McDonalds, and the overwhelming emotions of both competing and winning at the Olympics.

Aside from the family and friends of the nominees, the evening was also attended by representatives of many sporting organisations and bodies, including Sports Aid South West, Cornwall Sports Partnership, North Cornwall Sports and Recreation Council and representatives from Callington, Poltair and Budehaven sports colleges. Representatives from all the sponsors were also in attendance.

Award winners were:

Services to Sport (sponsored by Bodmin Sports Trophies) — Sean Alcock (Padstow, Junior Football).

Level One Junior Sports Leadership Award (sponsored by Wadebridge Community School) — Ryan Jennings (student at Bodmin Community College).

Team of the year (sponsored by Poltair Sports College) — Bude Under 18 Netball Club.

Secondary School Sports Team (sponsored by Budehaven Sports College) — Launceston College Under 17 Badminton Team

Coach of the year (sponsored by Callington Sports College) — Richard Centini (Wadebridge, Cricket).

Primary School Services to Sport (sponsored by Bodmin Community College) — Coads Green Primary School.

Primary School Sports Team (sponsored by Sir James Smiths School) — Camelford CP High 5 team.

Level Two Community Sports Leadership Award (sponsored by Launceston College) — Lee Betts, (Wadebridge).

Young Sportswoman of the year (sponsored by North Cornwall Extended Services) — Becky Cantin, (Netball, Wadebridge).

Young Sportsman of the Year (sponsored by SIGMA) — Sam Davenport (Surf Kayaking, Bude).