York Sport Awards a resounding success

Sunday 17th June saw the Roger Kirk transformed from the dull interior of a college cafeteria to the glittering scene of an awards ceremony...enter the York Sport Awards 2012. Men and Women from across a wide variety of sports swapped their tracksuits for their dinner jackets and heels, filling the room with the buzz of anticipation for the upcoming awards that recognise commitment, achievement and improvement throughout the year.

Asfahani opened the night's proceedings ©YUSU

The first speaker was outgoing president Sam Asfahani, who stood up to rapturous applause, making a speech about his time at York and his passion for sport. Following him was his successor, Charlotte Winter, who takes on the role following her successful and very diligent election campaign.

Both current and future Sport Presidents opened the night’s events with a warm welcome, celebrating the entire university’s contribution and dedication to sport, before meriting individual clubs, sportsmen and sportswomen with their own achievements. This shared enthusiasm and celebration for the successes of our fellow players truly sets us apart and is the nature of sport here at York.

Soon the results were underway and were kicked off by Women’s Rugby winning Club of the Year following their triumphs on the field over the past three terms. Competition, albeit probably friendlier than on track, pitch and water, rippled across the tables as the nominees from each category flashed up on a PowerPoint and we awaited the announcements.

Next up was Service to Sport, won by Joshua Moat for an outstanding overall contribution to sport at the university. The next award was for Roses Team of the Year, which the American Football team won in recognition for their huge success earlier in the year. So, at times crowded with a team jumping with success, or modestly occupied by a proud individual, the stage hosted a great year’s worth of sporting victories.

The UYBC men won team of the year ©Kate Argent; Image credit: Alice Duston

A great cheer was heard from somewhere around the back of the room as the UYBC Senior Men’s Squad took Team of the Year, with the announcement being followed by a rush of nine individuals energetically making their way on to the stage for a group photo.

Tom Brandreth won Sportsman of the Year for his fantastic contribution to sport over a period of time, while Louise Highton took sportswoman of the year following the many BUCS points she has won for the University across her sports.

The year was a successful one for Women’s Hockey and saw their triumphs culminate in taking home Most Improved Team of the Year. Badminton won the President’s Club Award, and the President’s Individual Award was presented to Chris Unsworth, both much deserved.

Finally, colours were awarded to individuals who have shown tremendous commitment to both their own clubs and York Sport in general during their University time. Full Colours were awarded to those who showed Commitment (3 years membership to their club), Performance (member of the first team, or equivalent, for at least two years) and Dedication (either been on the committee or helped to progress their club in some way). Half Colours were given to those who showed two of these three qualities.

Overall it was a fantastic night, expertly co-ordinated and executed and a brilliant way to gather up all the sporting bodies from their scattered positions around the University (and country!) and celebrate their wins together.