A STUDENT has been crowned Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year at the Believe Sports Awards 2014.

Wheelchair basketball player Gregg Warburton, from Leigh, was presented with the accolade by Paralympic discus thrower Derek Derenalagi in front of around 400 people at the DW Stadium.

The talented 17-year-old won the award just days after returning from Spain, where he represented Great Britain at the Under-22 Wheelchair Basketball European Championships.

Gregg, who studies sport at Wigan and Leigh College, and his team mates brought home the gold medal, beating Germany 51–40 in a nail biting final.

“I’m over the moon to be Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year. I wasn’t expecting to win at all,” he said.

“I was just looking forward to a good night. It feels especially great after winning gold in Spain – it’s been a very good week.

“I first took up wheelchair basketball when I was 12. I actually started off in sport by playing table tennis and was taking part in a multi-sport event where I was able to try out different sports.

“I tried basketball and was asked to attend a session for a team in Manchester. I did, and I’ve never looked back.

“My long-term goal is to play wheelchair basketball professionally and my ultimate dream is to reach the Paralympics and win gold.”

Gregg’s other achievements include coming fourth in the 2013 under-23 Junior World Championships and the Junior European Championships in 2012. He also helps coach a local development team.

Joanne Bishop, sport tutor at the college, said: “Gregg is a fantastic talent and we couldn’t be more proud that he’s been recognised in this way. He’s an inspiration both on and off the court.

“He’s already well on his way to becoming one of the sporting stars of the future.”

The Believe Sports Awards, organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) on behalf of Wigan Council, recognise outstanding individuals and team who strive to be the best in their sport.