A YOUNG cyclist from Tyldesley was one of the talented athletes celebrated at a borough-wide awards ceremony this month.

Recognising the budding sports stars and unsung heroes across the borough, Wigan Council held the Believe Sports Awards at the Edge Building on Saturday, November 12.

Coming as the first ceremony since the start of the pandemic, around 350 guests were in attendance to celebrate local sporting achievements.

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Astley and Tyldesley Cycling Club star Emily Burgess was honoured as the 'Young Sports Achiever of the Year', having retained her British Women’s Individual Championship title as well as triumphing at the British Elite Women’s Grand Prix.

Leigh Journal: Emily Burgess was recognised for her cycling achievementsEmily Burgess was recognised for her cycling achievements (Image: Wigan Council)

Staying in Tyldesley, St George’s Central Primary and Nursery were the winners of the Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport Award, which recognised their high-quality provision of physical education.

Club of the Year was presented to WigLe Dance, who have engaged more than 200 young people in dance and physical activity over the past 12 months, while also staging weekly dance holiday clubs during as part of this year’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Leigh Journal: St George's Primary and Nursery were recognised for their commitment to PESt George's Primary and Nursery were recognised for their commitment to PE (Image: Wigan Council)

Inspirational teenager Daniel Brennan took home the Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award having overcome numerous setbacks to achieve a healthier lifestyle, while the Unsung Hero Award was presented to Gary Pennington for his dedication, drive and determination in helping Highfield Grange FC thrive.

Standish Community High School’s Year 8 rugby league team won Team of the Year after an unbeaten season saw them crowned National School Champions on top of lifting the Wigan Schools Cup and the North West Schoolboys Trophy.

Leigh Journal: WigLe Dance Club have provided dance opportunities to hundreds of young people across the boroughWigLe Dance Club have provided dance opportunities to hundreds of young people across the borough (Image: Wigan Council)

Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s been a momentous year with the UEFA Women’s Euros and the Rugby League World Cup both coming to Wigan Borough and local stars such as Ella Toone and Keely Hodgkinson shining on the global stage.

“As well as being home to such remarkable talent, we’re lucky to have an amazing network of individuals and groups right across the borough who support others to reach their full potential.

“The Believe Sports Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the outstanding achievements and incredible dedication of local people and honouring the incredible community champions who do so much to help our grassroots grow.

“I’d like to say congratulations to all our worthy winners and a massive thank you to all those who make the Wigan Borough sports scene so special!”

A raffle on the evening also raised £1,300 in aid of the Mayor of Wigan Borough’s chosen charity, Daffodils Dreams.

Leigh Journal: All winners and nominees at the Believe Sports AwardsAll winners and nominees at the Believe Sports Awards (Image: Wigan Council)

Full list of winners - 2022 Believe Sports Awards sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd

  • Team of the Year - sponsored by Wigan Warriors Community Foundation: Standish High School Year 8 Rugby League Team
  • Young Sports Achiever of the Year - sponsored by Leigh Leopards RFLC: Emily Burgess
  • Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport Award sponsored by Edge Hill University: St George’s Central Primary and Nursery
  • Inclusion in Sport Award sponsored by XN Leisure: One Vision Media CIO
  • Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award sponsored by Technogym: Daniel Brennan
  • Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust: Stephen Price
  • Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Agilysis: Gary Pennington
  • Club of the Year sponsored by FCC Environment: WigLe Dance CIC