THE 2009 Cornwall Sports Awards kicked off in style last week, providing the perfect platform to celebrate the county's many unsung sporting heroes — including from the 'Post' area.

The event, held at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, welcomed more than 200 attendees, including special guests Olympic weightlifter Michaela Breeze, Cornwall rugby coach Dave Thomas and last year's BBC SW Unsung Sporting Hero Chris Goninan.

Organised by the Cornwall Sports Partnership and Cornwall Council, the event was set up four years ago to pay tribute to the many volunteers around the county who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting strong sports communities.

This year, the awards were presented in three searate categories — Coaching, Club and Volunteering.

In the 'Post' area, the winners were:

Andy Reeve from the St Leonards Equitation Centre at Polson, who was named Male Coach of the Year.Andy has coached two Olympic medallists, winning a Silver medal in Beijing and European Silver medals in 2007 and 2009.

He established training camps for boys with little or no riding experience. three of these boys represented Great Britain in Modern Pentathlon.

He has developed the riding stables for all age groups and abilities.

The award for the Community Volunteer of the Year went to Adrian Parsons from Bude Surf Life Saving Club.

Adrian is chair of the club and gives up several hours every day to support the 200 members.

He coaches ladies, junior and masters sections, trains instructors, oversees fitness training and oversees weekend beach patrols.

Adrian also does enormous amounts of background work securing funding and managing the day-to-day running of the club.

Vikki Clacey, aged 21 from the Bude Swimming Club, was presented with the Community Volunteer award for Under 25s.

As a qualified swimming teacher, Vikki supports the charity Little Rays of Sunshine, which is a support group for families who have children with special needs. Every Saturday, she gives one-to-one lessons with the children.

Vikki also coaches at the swimming club, developing intermediate members. She is the club captain and assists the club coach at galas and competitions. For the full report see this week's 'Post'.