Basketball coach John Wooden famously said that ‘Sports do not build character. They reveal it,’ and certainly there was no shortage of sporting prowess at this year’s Littlehampton Sports Awards – from skateboarders to gymnasts and strikers to swimmers, a dazzling array of sporting talent assembled for the event, which formed part of the Annual Town Meeting. 

Presented by Chair of the Sports Forum Councillor Sean Lee, the Sports Awards are an initiative led by Littlehampton Sports Forum and the Town Council to recognise the accomplishments and contributions of local sportspeople. 

Speaking at the presentation, Councillor Sean Lee, Chair of the Community Resources Committee, said: "It was the first year that the awards were presented at the annual town meeting and it was fantastic to see so many different sports clubs represented. Not only did the sports stars themselves get the deserved recognition at the awards, but so did the behind the scenes/off-pitch heroes; those people who keep their respective clubs running. Congratulations to all our winners."

Speaking after receiving her award, Sportsperson of the Year, Julie Potter, said: “I was chuffed to win this award, no-one from Norfolk Bowls Club said a word, so I was shocked when my name was read out especially with there being so many other worthy nominations. Bowling has a stigma for being an old person's sport but I started at 50 and wish I got involved much earlier. You can be any age to bowl and it doesn't take long to learn the basics.”

2024 SPORTS AWARDS CHAMPIONS

Sportsperson of the Year (Sponsored by The Littlehampton Times): Julie Potter (bowls)

Young Sportsperson of the Year (Sponsored by Littlehampton Traders): Grace Bennett (skateboarding)

Contribution to Youth Sports (Sponsored by Norfolk Bowling Club): Bryan & Roxanne Newman (rugby)

Sports Administrator of the Year (Sponsored by Going Spare): Daniel Clarke (cricket)

Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Walsh Pest Control): Lauren Candler (swimming)

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Mewsbrook Park Cafe): Arun Tridents Swimming Club

Youth Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by the Bond of Friendship Lodge No. 9117):  Mewsbrook Junior Parkrun

Contribution to Disabled Sport (Sponsored by FA Holland Funeralcare): Arun Dolphins Swimming Club

Unsung Hero (Sponsored by Mewsbrook Park Cafe): Paula Merridue (youth football)

Mayor's Lifetime Contribution to Sport in Littlehampton: Alan Pyant (cricket and Sportsfield)

Also announced at the event were the recipients of the 2024 Sports Excellence Grants. This year the Sports Forum awarded a total of £2,000 shared between two gymnasts: Aiyla Warner and Grace Winchester. The grants will enable them to make significant progress in achieving their gymnastic goals.