AWARD-WINNING sporting champions were recognised yesterday, Wednesday.

Wigan borough mayor Cllr Steve Dawber welcomed winners of the 2019 Believe Sports Awards to the mayor’s parlour.

Following their success at the Wigan event in October, all Believe Sports Awards winners went to the Greater Manchester Sports Awards last November - where two borough winners received regional awards.

In Manchester, Caitlyn Saddington won Young Sports Achiever while Alan Richmond, from Golborne, won the title for the Changing Lifestyle award.

Caitlyn was recognised for her success in Para Dressage following a successful year in the saddle which saw her become National Gold Champion in February as well as representing Great Britain through 2019.

Alan’s award recognised his personal transformation over the last 12 months which has seen him lose three stone, commit to a more active and healthier lifestyles as well as inspiring those around him through volunteering.

Leigh Journal:

Alan Richmond, right, with his Changing Lifestyle award

Alan, 17, said: “I feel fantastic about winning.

"It’s the first time I’ve properly felt proud of myself, it’s the first time I’ve ever felt like I’ve achieved anything.”

Alan completed scheme Let’s Get Movin’, which gets young people moving through family fitness classes, activity camps and conversations about healthy eating. 

He added: “It’s been difficult at times but it’s been worth it.”

All of the borough’s 2019 Believe Sports Awards winners were invited to the mayor’s parlour, where they were thanked for all their hard work, dedication and commitment. More than 141 nominations were received across 10 categories.

Cllr Dawber said: “Celebrating the successes of our residents and local sportspeople is extremely important to instilling pride and inspiring future generations.

“I was proud to host all of the 2019 winners in the parlour today to congratulate them personally on their achievements.”

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Managing director at Inspiring healthy lifestyles Pete Burt said: “Year on year, I am inspired by those nominated for the Believe Sports Awards.

"The success and achievements of our local sport, volunteers and communities is truly remarkable.

“This year we will continue to celebrate our borough’s successes with our 20th Believe Sports Awards.

"If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, make this the year that you nominate them.”

Eleven recently funded athletes of the Believe Talent Fund also attended the event.

The fund supports athletes who perform at a national standard or are on the pathway to reach national standard, aged 11-24.

The fund launched in 2015 and has, so far, supported 90 young people from across the Wigan Borough, with up to £500 from Wigan Council’s Deal for Communities Investment Fund - helping athletes pay for travel, accommodation, national and international competitions and equipment to enable them progress to the next level and achieve success.

For more information on how to apply for the Believe Talent Fund can be found click here.

The 2020 Believe Sports Awards will take place in October and nominations will open at the end of April. They are organised by leisure partner Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of Wigan Council.

For more details go to inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/BelieveSportsAwards/ or call 01942 488495.