They’re great sports!

Oldham Sports Awards 2013: all the winners

SPORTING heroes of all ages and abilities came together to celebrate in style at the Queen Elizabeth Hall for the annual onefuture Oldham Sports Awards.

Almost 400 guests - from international sporting superstars to humble grassroots volunteers - lapped up the show.

Chronicle managing editor David Whaley was the MC on an evening of well-deserved recognition of an amazing array of local sporting achievements.

Distinguished Oldham guests, including World Rugby League player of the year Kevin Sinfield, London Olympic bronze-medallist Nicola White, fellow Olympian Jessica Lloyd, Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson and civic dignitaries including Mayor Councillor John Hudson, witnessed breathtaking opening freestyle BMX bike skills and tricks from world number three Danny Butler.

The award ceremonies got underway amid fevered anticipation.

First was Gary Melling, who took the Contribution to School Sport award.

Greg Jones could scarcely conceal his delight as he bounced on to the stage to receive his well-deserved Disabled Sports Achiever prize.

Ian Dunkerley picked up the Volunteer of the Year award before guests were treated to a light-hearted version of Question of Sport fronted by Sinfield and hockey star White.

Janet Thomas was awarded the Physical Activity Recognition prize, netball starlet Alice Travis won the Sports Achiever award and Pete Wild the Coach of the Year gong.

Another break saw Johnson, White and Sinfield quizzed in a revealing question and answer session which went down a storm with the crowd.

The Young Volunteer was then revealed as Lewis Scott, Club of the Year was Chadderton Park FC, then Dorothy Shirley Emerson’s Unsung Hero recognition rounded off the main awards in fitting style.

The evening was rounded off with a rallying cry from the awards committee member Steve Kilroy - after which the roof was raised as Athletic’s ever-popular coach Tony Philliskirk received a Special Recognition for Services to Sport award.