Derbyshire coaches honoured at BBC East Midlands Sports Awards

28 November 2008

British Cycling Performance Director David Brailsford has been named Coach of the Year at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards.

David, from Ilkeston, was selected as the winner in recognition of the role he played in the British Cycling team’s success in Beijing, which saw them bring home 14 medals in all, including eight gold medals.

The award was announced during a ceremony at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham, although David was unable to attend and instead was presented with his trophy by Chris Boardman, British Cycling’s Director of Coaching, in Manchester.

Earlier this month David was presented with a Special Award for Outstanding Achievements in 2008 at the Derbyshire Sports Awards.

Derbyshire’s Bill Halstead was also a winner at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards, which are supported by Sport England.

The Matlock-based rugby coach (pictured) won the Unsung Hero Award, supported by Robinsons, in recognition of his work with thousands of children.

He was presented with his trophy by Olympic double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington.

Bill now goes forward to represent the East Midlands alongside 14 other regional finalists at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, where an overall UK winner will be announced.

Other nominees from Derbyshire at the East Midlands awards included mogul skier Ellie Koyander, from Tideswell.

The three times British Champion was named the University of Derby Junior Sportswoman of the Year at the Derbyshire Sports Awards earlier this month, but missed out on the top prize at the East Midlands event – which went to Nottinghamshire gymnast Becky Downie.

Meanwhile swimmer Jenni Cooke from Ilkeston was a runner-up in the Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year category, which went to Sam Hynd from Nottinghamshire.

Jenni is currently the No.1 S17 female swimmer, and holds four British records.

Chesterfield Football Club’s Jack Lester was also nominated in the Football Achievement of the Year category, and Derbyshire businesses Epm technology and Sally Cowan Ltd were both shortlisted for the Enterprise in Sport Award.

For a full list of winners go to www.sportengland.org (opens in a new window)

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