Kingston’s sporting heroes were recognised at a ceremony hosted by world champion runner Mark Richardson.

The Kingston Sport Awards were given out to celebrate efforts made by people and organisations to promote participation and inclusivity in sport, and commend individual prowess.

Councillor Andy Johnson-Creek, cabinet member with responsibility for Sport at Kingston Council, said: “A truly awe-inspiring evening. I’m amazed at the level of dedication and passion that stems from our Royal Borough and the results, both national and international. Here’s to another record breaking year of sport in Kingston!”

The winners, and the council’s reasons for choosing them, were as follows.

  • Disability Sports Personality of the Year: Having only taken up skiing eight years ago, Karen Oosthuizen has progressed incredibly quickly and is now a world slalom champion, as well as a sports ambassador for Kingston.
  • Club of the Year: One of the oldest clubs in the country, the Old Kingstonians Hockey Club, won the accolade for their enthusiasm in ensuring the sport is accessible to all, and is the only club in Kingston that caters for junior and senior players.
  • Neil Desai Award (awarded to those aged under 21 who give back to the community): Katy Bourne was awarded for her dedication to coaching young people with disabilities in canoeing.
  • Sports Personality of the Year: As part of Team GB at the World Para Athletics, world champion Sophie Kamlish managed to set a new world record in the T44 100 metres.
  • Team of the Year: Congratulations are in order for the Kingston Athletic Club and Polytechnic Harriers Men’s British Athletics team, who are now one of the top 16 clubs in the country following a fantastic leap into the top division in the British Athletics League.
  • Youth Team of the Year: Winning a staggering 17 regional and national titles in the last year alone, Kingston Rowing Club U15 Women’s team are ranked second in the country for their age category.
  • The Mayor’s Trophy: Beverly Gow is the embodiment of an unsung hero, with 12 years of volunteer service dedicated to the sport of running. Beverly is a dedicated member of both 26.2 Road Running Club and Surbiton Park Run.
  • Eileen Gray Award (awarded to those who inspire others): Head coach for the Kingston Royals Swim Club, Damien Bryan supports both athletes and coaches to develop through competition and training. Introducing water polo to the club and securing additional pool time has ensured the club has been able to go from strength to strength.
  • Youth Sports Personality of the Year: English Girls U16 Golf Champion, Annabel Fuller, and Team GB canoeist, Zoe Clark, share the award with both achieving excellent results in their fields.
  • Active Kingston School of the Year: Showing exceptional effort in promoting healthy, active lifestyles, St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School was praised for focusing on different aspects of health, including emotional, mental, physical and nutritional.