HALF a century is a splendid innings on anyone’s scoresheet – and such a special milestone deserved a special stage.
It is, therefore, a pleasure to report that the 50th anniversary of the Darlington Sports Winners Awards Grand Final, held at Darlington Hippodrome, was a spectacular success.
The magnificent old theatre was rammed from stalls to circle as the stars of grass roots sport in the Darlington area – from children to a 90-year-old top of the bill – were celebrated.
But let’s start with those who didn’t seek any awards – the organisers who have given their time to keep the awards going for so long.
Take a bow Brian Dobinson, Paul Foreman, Paul Bielby, Liz Blaylock, Ali Raw, Mark Dobinson, and Tom Nutt – you have played a blinder.
Brian Dobinson, who is stepping down from the committee after more than 30 years, deserves special thanks.
He said: “I have been involved with the Darlington Sports Winners Scheme for many, many years and I can honestly say that this year’s Grand Final was simply an amazing experience and was the best final we have ever hosted.”
Highlights included Ian Barnes – veteran athlete and founder of the Darlington parkrun – receiving a standing ovation at the end of the night.
He holds three British records in the over-85s category for the 1,500 metres, mile, and 3,000 metres, and is now aiming to set new UK bests in the over-90s age bracket.
He has served as president and chair of Darlington Harriers, and was instrumental in launching the Darlington parkrun in 2012.
Even at the age of 90, no matter the weather, Ian spends his Saturday mornings either running the 5k course or volunteering to enable others to take part.
Another popular winner, for a Lifetime of Achievement, was Dave Watson for his service to Darlington Quoits Club – the oldest quoits club in the world, having been founded in 1846.
Dave has been a member of the club for 55 years, has been president twice, captain three times, and is now treasurer.
He coaches young people, as well as members of the newly-formed women’s team, and gives talks in school on the history of quoits.
The Ron Lewis Trophy, remembering a former Darlington Mayor, was presented to 14-year-old world champion Thai boxer Theo Spinks as the night’s “winner of winners”.
Theo, who had won Secondary Sports Achiever earlier in the ceremony, overcame the odds after being diagnosed with Perthes Disease as a four-year-old, and told her could never take part in contact sports.
However, he went on to take up Thai boxing, rose up the ranks, and returned from Bangkok last year with the world title.
Another moving moment came when Abbie Etherson, 15, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, won the Disability Award for becoming a gold medallist at the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting World Championships in Corfu.
Due to her success, the international federation has been inspired to look into new ways to give lifters with different disabilities access to the sport.
Star guests for the awards included Paralympic swimmer Lyndon Longhorne, and Darlington golfer, Ellie Givens, who is a regular on the European Ladies’ Tour.
Lyndon, who lost both legs and an arm through meningitis as a baby, had members of the audience in tears when he announced: “Go out there and achieve your dreams because anything is possible.”
He is now in training to become the first quadruple amputee to complete an Ironman Triathlon in under 24 hours.
North East athletics legend Steve Cram, who is celebrating 40 years since breaking three world records in 19 days, sent an inspirational message by video.
Another message was sent by Darlington-born footballer James Morrison, now first team coach at West Bromwich Albion and the Scotland national team.
St Teresa’s Hospice was also among the winners, with a raffle, plus an auction for signed Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Darlington shirts, raising £2,000 for the charity.
The event was made possible by headline sponsor Woodlands Hospital, supported by Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Rotary, Darlington Hippodrome, West End Marketing, Tom Craddock Football Academy, and Move More Darlington.
In between the awards, the packed audience was superbly entertained by Voices of Darlington, Well-Versed Community Choir, Seven Dance Troup, and football juggler Jay Rosa, an expert in what’s commonly known as “keepy-uppy”.
It was a joy for me to host such a memorable community celebration, and congratulations to everyone involved in keeping the ball in the air for half a century.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Primary Sports Achiever: Orlagh Everson. Primary School Team: Mowden Juniors Boys Football Team. Secondary Sports Achiever: Theo Spinks. Secondary School/Further Education Team: Carmel College Under-19s Netball Team. Disability Award: Abbie Etherson. Service to Sport: Sam Ions (Rockliffe Park Cricket Club). Club/Team Award: Darlington Harriers Junior Endurance Team. Lifetime Achievement: Dave Watson (Darlington Quoits Club). Brian Jones Cup for Team of the Year: Darlington Storm Superstars Basketball Team. Ron Lewis Trophy, presented by Darlington Rotary for the winner of winners: Theo Spinks. Mulheim Trophy: Darlington RA Under-15s Football Team. Alasdair MaConachie Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport: Ian Barnes.