Littlehampton's annual Sports Awards took place on 7th October at the Littlehampton Academy. Joined by Olympian Tessa Sanderson CBE, who presented the trophies and commendations, the initiative, managed by Littlehampton Sports Forum and the Town Council, recognises the achievements and contributions made by local sportspeople and off-pitch community champions.

Sports including badminton, gymnastics, tri-golf and swimming were represented and the evening was hosted by Chair of the Sports Forum, Cllr Billy Blanchard-Cooper. The Sportsperson of the Year Award went to 17 year old Badminton player Alex Bayley. Alex first tried the sport at the Littlehampton Badminton & Squash Club through the Town Council’s SPACE week summer holiday scheme when he was 11 years old. Speaking about winning the award, Alex said: “I was so happy to receive the award, and it came as a big surprise. I had tried many sports but enjoyed Badminton the most and through the encouragement from my coach Karen Chapman-Gain and club member John Shepherd I have continued to develop in the sport.”

And the winners are:

Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by the Coco Lounge - Alex Bayley (Badminton player)

Young Sportsperson of the Year sponsored by Littlehampton Trader’s Partnership - Joe Sykes (Golfer)

Coach Contribution to Youth Sports sponsored by Dizzy: Support for Diabetes - Carley Johnson (Cheerleading coach)

Sports Administrator of the Year sponsored by Going Spare - Darren Bazley (Cricket Club member)

Coach of the Year sponsored by C&M Trophies - Muriel Bordenave (Dance teacher)

Sports Team of the Year sponsored by Mewsbrook Park Café - Littlehampton Badminton Club

Youth Sports Team of the Year sponsored by Bah Humbug Sweets - Lyminster Tri-Golf Team

Contribution to Disabled Sport sponsored by FA Holland & Son - Susan Cameron (Swimming coach)

Unsung Hero sponsored by Mewsbrook Park Café - Steve Fastnedge (Croquet Club member)

Mayor's Lifetime Contribution to Sport in Littlehampton- Chris Staight (Cricket coach)

Speaking about the Awards Chair of the Sports Forum, Cllr Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: "It's brilliant to see so many different sports clubs and sports heroes come together to celebrate each other's success. Not only do the sports stars themselves get recognition at the awards but also the off-pitch heroes who keep the amazing clubs we have in Littlehampton running. Congratulations to all our winners."

The Littlehampton Sports Forum and Town Council would like to thank The Littlehampton Academy for the use of their facilities and their support throughout the process.