SEVEN awards encompassing the same number of sports made for a sparkling night at Shakespearience last Sunday night, writes Mervyn Collins.

The occasion was the third annual Stratford on Avon District Awards evening that recognised the talent, effort and commitment required to enable both clubs and individuals to achieve their goals in their chosen sport.

On the track, in the pool, on the green, at the crease, on the field, on the court and in an arena - that's where the winners of 2004 have earned recognition.

Christopher Bartlett of Stratford Athletic Club was named Junior Sports Person of the Year - an award sponsored by Speedo International Ltd and the District Council.

Crowned

The junior swimming team from Stratford Girls Grammar School won the Junior Club/Team of the Year Award sponsored by the Journal and Stratford DC, while Liz Chedgzoy of Stratford Bowls Club was crowned Senior Sports Person of the Year, an award sponsored by Speedo and Tesco Stores Ltd.

Stockton's cricket team was named Senior Team of the Year sponsored by Tescos and the Journal, while Stratford Rugby Club chairman Jim Leach won the category for Volunteer/Club Administrator of the Year.

That award had the backing of the Speedo, Tescos and the Ardencote Manor Hotel.

Sue Dale of the Studley-based Blue and White Rope Skippers was named Coach of the Year, while Alan Colbourne of Stratford Tennis Club was given the Service to Sport Award - both awards were sponsored by Speedo and Tescos.

Chris leapt into the record books at the local club when becoming the first athlete to achieve a national outdoor title when winning the AAAs Under-15 triple jump. He was also a silver medallist at the English Schools Championships.

Shottery Grammar School entered a team of four in the National Schools Relay Championships and the quartet of Emma White, Grace Wright, Harriet Beaumont and Emily Key reached the finals in Crawley where they all clocked personal best times as they reached the final in both the freestyle and medley relays.

A bronze medal in the former discipline was their reward and added to their success at the Midland District Championships.

Memorable

Liz enjoyed a memorable year that started with victory in her own club's Singles event. She then went on to win the Warwickshire Counties Ladies Singles crown, while also being a finalist and runner-up in the National Ladies Singles Champion of Cham-pions.

To crown a fantastic 2004, Liz caught the eye of the England selectors and had a trial or the senior national squad.

The cricketers from Stockton won an amazing eight trophies and finished winners or runners-up in every competition that the entered in a sizzling summer of silverware.

Rugby Club chairman Jim has become the figurehead of the Loxley Road club that has flourished during the past 12 months.

To quote a club member: "Jim Leach has put a tremendous amount of personal time, effort and energy to ensure the success of the club both on and off the field."

Alan Colbourne is another who has helped Stratford Tennis Club enjoy a magnificent year. He was one of the co-founders of the Stratford District League and has been an active member at Swan's Nest Lane for more than 45 years.

The men's captain takes time out to organise all the club's tournaments and acts as administrative assistant to the Winter League.

Last, and certainly not least, is another person dedicated to the cause in the shape of Sue Dale who took over as coach at the Studley club six years ago.

She was also coach to the UK teams that qualified for last year's World Championships in Australia, while taking up a similar role with the European Championship squad.

Sue has travelled far and wide in promoting the sport - with tremendous success - gold and silver medals from tournaments in Australia, Belgium and Hungary are testament to her talent and commitment.

In addition to the seven annual awards distributed on the night, Stratford Athletic Club received a special award from the District Council in recognition of the thriving community club's efforts throughout the past 12 months when membership has risen by 33 per cent and the club was awarded a coveted Sport England Clubmark.