THERE was joy, emotion and the feeling of pride in equal measures as the A-list of the local sporting community had their triumphs and accomplishments marked with accolades, at the 2022 Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards last night (Thursday).

A packed audience at Newport's Medina Theatre — comprised of shortlisted award nominees, proud parents, teammates, club representatives and supporters — showed their appreciation for all those vying for one of the accolades.

Whittling the winners down to that shortlist was no mean task for the independent panel of judges.

There were many deserved winners and nominees in categories, that ranged from making a difference in school sports, to marking the achievements of emerging young talents and those who have made themselves noticed at national and international level. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

The unquantifiable support given to clubs and organisations by willing volunteers, was also in the spotlight last night.

Special guest at the awards ceremony was inspirational gold medal winning Olympic sailor, Shirley Robertson, who co-presented, with County Press co-editor, Lucy Morgan.

In the junior awards, sailor Ben Anderson (boys), 12, won the boys' prize, having qualified to represent Team GB at the Laser 4.7 single-handed World and European Championships this year; Katie Bunn (girls), had an exceptional 2022 in her running and multi-sports events, and Bembridge Primary School's U11 boys' football side won the team accolade.

Scooterist Joe Crockett, of Freshwater, won the junior international award.

In the disability category, swimmers Sarah Beane (women) and Zac Lacey (men) triumphed following their huge successes in the pool — be it on the national or world stage.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Two individuals who have made a difference to Isle of Wight sport were winners Elizabeth Westbrook, of Lanesend Primary, Cowes, and Simon Proffitt, who is making the sport of pickleball popular.

Island referee, Andy King, 80, who has been officiating for more than 66 years — and continues to this day — received the Delphie Lakeman Memorial Trust award, for service to sport.

John Shannon received the most prestigious prize of the night — the Lifetime Achievement Award — for his involvement in grassroots football at Shanklin FC for around 70 years.

Sadly,  18-year-old sailor Arthur Farley was unable to collect his intermediate boy award, after organisers were told he was battling leukaemia.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Before Shirley announced he had won the award, she said everyone in the theatre last night wishes Arthur the very best.

Retiring County Press editor, Alan Marriott, received the final accolade of the evening — from the Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, for his coverage of Island sports spanning almost four decades.

For full two-page coverage of the awards ceremony, with pictures, see next Friday's County Press.

Isle of Wight County Press:

                                                    AWARD WINNERS
Royal Yacht Squadron award for junior boys – Ben Anderson; Love Running award for junior girls – Katie Bunn; the Esplanade award for intermediate boys – Arthur Farley; Bembridge Harbour Authority award for intermediate girls – Kayleigh Batchelor.

BCM award for senior men – Henry McLuckie; Glanvilles Damant award for senior women – Ellie Lovett; Esplanade award for disability men's senior – Zac Lacey; Esplanade award for disability women's senior – Sarah Beane. 

WightFibre award for masters men – Martin Godden; WightFibre award for masters women – Emily Fry; Spence Willard award for junior team – Bembridge Primary School's U11 boys' football team.

Churchers Solicitors award for intermediate team – Harrison Lake, Samuel Callaghan and William Lakin; Cowes Yacht Haven award for senior team – Heather and Tim Wilkins; Inshape Fitness award for an international – Nicholas Percy.

The Woodland Resort award for a junior international – Joe Crockett; The Garlic Farm award for primary sporting school – Newport CE Primary School; PhysioCare & Sports Injury Clinic award for secondary sporting school – Island Free School.

Newport Grammar School Charity Trust award for making a difference in school sport – Elizabeth Westbrook; The Toy Shop award for coach – Ted Nelson; Harwoods of Yarmouth award for club official – Deborah Percy.

Rouse Limited award for club volunteer – Neil Cooper; Churchers Solicitors award for making a difference – Simon Proffitt; The Ray and Rosemary Scovell Trust Community Award – Todd Miller.

Isle of Wight Sports Foundation award for outstanding commitment – Mark Powell; Delphie Lakeman Memorial Trust Award for service to sport – Andy King; Isle of Wight Sports Foundation lifetime achievement award – John Shannon; outstanding achievement in supporting sport on the Isle of Wight – Alan Marriott.