The Darlington Sports Winners Scheme has been shining the spotlight on local sporting achievements for half a century, and this year’s Grand Final takes place at Darlington Hippodrome on the evening of July 8.
Brian Dobinson, chair of the organising committee, said: “It is quite an achievement for a grass roots event like this to be maintained for 50 years, so we wanted such a special milestone to be matched by the occasion.
“Thanks to the borough council, Darlington Hippodrome is the magnificent venue for the Grand Final, and we are delighted to say that the quality of the nominations has exceeded our expectations, so we are in for a memorable night.”
The event starts at 6.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm and a buffet served from 9pm. Tickets are free but those wishing to attend need to be quick out of the blocks because seats are going fast.
- Free tickets for the event can be obtained by emailing paul.foreman@darlington.gov.uk
Debbie Dobbs, Executive Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Woodlands Hospital, said: “Woodlands Hospital is coming up to its 25th anniversary in Darlington and we pride ourselves on providing first-class care that helps keeps the local community fit and healthy.
“While our track record goes back nearly a quarter of a century, the Darlington Sports Winners Scheme has been inspiring the local community to be active for 50 years.
“That is an incredible achievement and one that fits perfectly with our own goals – to be at the heart of the local community, while supporting health and wellbeing.”
Awards will be presented in a range of categories, covering all ages from primary schools to adults, with some surprise guests from the world of elite sport making appearances.
Entertainment will be provided by Voices for Darlington, Seven Performance Dance Company, football freestyler Jay Rosa, and the Well-Versed Community Choir.
Although tickets are free, the event will support St Teresa’s Hospice through a raffle, with more than £1,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Signed shirts from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Darlington Football Clubs will also be on offer through a silent auction.
Other sponsors are: Darlington Borough Council, West End Marketing, Move More Darlington, Darlington Rotary, Tom Craddock Football Academy.
