Presentation was held on February 3 2025 to announce the 2024 winners.
 
The evening award were announced by long-serving M/c John Whitby, who was hosting the Awards Presentation Evening for a 29th consecutive time.  He opened by saying, "This year's standard is very high, so even being a finalist is commendable as many nominations failed to reach this stage". 
 
. JUNIOR SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by West & Coe Funeral Directors) 
 
. JOEL AJAYI
A student of Emerson Park Academy his 2024 athletics season can confidently be described as outstanding, which has attracted attention from far-and-wide including England's International selectors.  His Indoor record saw him lower his 60 Metres time to a highly commendable 6.82 seconds as he became Essex County Champion, Southern England Champion and in the England Athletics Championships was runner-up, just missing out on a glorious treble by a mere 0.2 seconds. Outdoors he became Essex Schools 100 Metres Champion for a 2nd successive year clocking 10.49 seconds.  This earned him selection for Essex in the English Schools Track and Fields Championships at Birmingham when he became National Champion.  He sailed through the heats in 10.8 seconds and then clinched his gold medal in 10.65 seconds.  International recognition ensued as He was in Team GB at the U18 European Championships in Slovakia.  Again he gave  a top class performance as he made the podium to be presented with a bronze medal.  Hornchurch-based Joel makes considerable progress as a member of "Be Fit Today Track Academy" based at both Mayesbrook Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre.  His nominator writes : "He has reached new heights which comes down to his own hard work and determination"
 
. HOPE McSHEFFREY.
Last year's winner was unable to attend our presentation as, in keeping with her reputation, was on International duty - so tonight gives us an opportunity to meet her in person. Last year's excellent performances have continued with improvement. Hope cemented her place as England Women's Under 17 goalkeeper with a tally of representative caps rising to 17. Stand-out events were winning February's Mima Cup in Spain which was a competition entered in preparation of the Women's Under 17 European Championship in Sweden. England were finalists losing to hosts Spain, when reaching this final for a first time. For a first time since 2016, this qualified England for an Under 17's FIFA World Cup in the Dominican Republic with all their matches televised.  Hope's family let the Sports Council know relevant times and television channels - which were widely circulated to boost viewing figures. They emulated the 4th spot as achieved in their only other appearance back in 2008. The 2024 campaign saw the USA team beat England in a 3rd-and-4th place play-off.  On home soil Hope continued as Arsenal Women's Under-21 goalkeeper playing a big part in winning the Southern League so giving her back-to-back successes at Under-16 and Under-21 levels. Her medal cabinet is filling up nicely. This was all fitted in around studying for GSCE's at Sacred Heart School, spending time overcoming injuries and acting as an Ambassador for Tigers Junior FC where she started out and now attends matches to inspire our next generation of footballers. We'll hear more about Tigers Football Club later on. Finally Hope created podcasts of her time in Sweden and the Dominican Republic to show that dreams can come true.
 
. And the winner is ... JOEL AJAYI
 
 
. SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (sponsored by Kay's Adult Swim School)
 
. MATT LUFF
Having previously been honoured as a Junior Competitor, we welcome Matt back to our presentation evening.  Romford racer Matt, a former Gidea Park College student, stated that he was really pleased to finish as Vice Champion of the 2024 Audi TT Cup Racing Championship Series held at Silverstone's iconic Track - the home of British motorsport.  The Audi TT competition is one of the leading support Series of races in the British Touring Car Championships.  He travelled to the track to contest the final 3 races with an outside chance of claiming the title. He excelled in practice to earn pole position for Race 1.  He led early on before being edged into 3rd place in a quality line-up.  He put disappointment behind him to win race 2 and after staring Race 3 from 10th position on the grid, made impressive passes as he weaved his way up to 4th spot.  In the overall series he was runner-up and had the kudos of recording the fasted lap of the series.  His consistent showing proves he's always one to be reckoned with.  He fits all this in with his promising career as an accomplished accountant. Matt has thanked his supporters and sponsors - one of whom is Gerry Byrne of McDonalds restaurant. Matt has vowed, I'll be back in 2025 and be gunning in whatever Championships we find ourselves in.  With that in mind we're sure of seeing Matt at future presentations.
 
. RUBY TILSON
Upminster based Ruby belongs to Havering Athletic Club and is nominated for a year of outstanding performances.  The high jumper and combined events athlete won 3 National titles and improved her Club's high jump record 4 times.  The opening meetings of 2024 saw us witness an athlete who truly meant business with a personal-best leap of 1.75 metres (or 5 feet 9 inches for our more senior attenders).  She added 1 centimetre when becoming Essex County Champion in May - and another centimetre in winning a South-of-England gold medal in June - and, wait for it, yet another 1 centimetre improvement when winning her first National title in the English Schools Championships in June at Birmingham.  She added an England Athletics U20 high jump gold 2 weeks later and, in Havering Athletics Club's Championships in September, claimed a 4th Club high jump record of 1.80 metres (Or 5 feet 11 inches for many).  Her season ended with a 3rd National Gold medal at the English Schools Heptathlon, leading from start-to-finish, a massive 300 points clear of the opposition.
 
. And the winner is ... RUBY TILSON
 
 
. DISABILITY SPORTS COMPETITOR-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by The Beadle Family)  .
 
. KIERAN O'HARA
Our 2022 winner Kieran won this category in 2022 and was last year's runner so demonstrating his consistency as a successful sportsman.  He has an impressive track record on the National scene as a para athlete in the T20 category, specialising at 800 metres and 1,500 metres distances for athletes with intellectual impairments. He also competes for Havering Athletic Club in mainstream athletics in both Southern and National Leagues and really relishes the challenges of cross-county running. He's a keen participant in 3 local parkruns, with wins to his credit. His first 2024 highlight saw him victorious in a 15,000 metres para event during pouring rain at Oxford in a prestigious meeting staged to mark a 70th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister's first sub-4 minute mile.  Two weeks later at Loughborough - another major venue - he was a fine 3rd in a high quality International para 1,500 metres field.  In June he represented Great Britain in the Virtus European Championships held in Sweden coming 4th at both his 800 metres and 1,500 metres favourite distances.  Back in Blighty he struck bronze in a UK Championship para 1,500 metres and was 5th over the same distance at the nearby London Stadium in a Diamond League meeting.  In September more success came with a top class performance at a British Milers Club event in Gillingham with a personal best time of 1 minute 55.99 seconds - a new English T20 category record.  On the road he came 13th from 17,000 starters in the London 10 Kilometres Winter Run which was an amazing performance in his 3rd ever at the distance and in his 2nd ever half-marathon at Brentwood he came 11th out of 1,500 runners so helping Havering Athletic Club to gold team medals.  His personal best 72 minutes 39 seconds time is an all-time record for T20 athletes. His hard work and continued progress has secured a place on the prestigious UK Athletics Paralympic Future Programme for 20 chosen athletes with potential to achieve success at future Paralympic Games.
 
. BROCK WHISTON
Brock is nominated by Councillor Jason Frost who wrote : "I am honoured and humbled to have been able to nominate an individual who, by their outstanding sporting achievement, represents the embodiment of that indomitable spirit of mankind which has proven, time-and-time again, that no matter the challenges we face - physically, socially or materially - the impossible is only a state of mind and that to overcome these hurdles all that is needed is a willingness to believe in oneself and a determination to succeed".  Profound words indeed from the Councillor.  Brock Whiston, a double Paralympic medallist at the Paris Games and a 4-times World record holder and in previous years a 4-times World Championship gold medallist, is a truly remarkable young lady for whom the Borough - and particularly those from Collier Row where she resides, should be proud.  Towards the end of 2024, at a Town Hall ceremony, Brock was honoured when awarded the Freedom of the London Borough of Havering. In those Paris Paralympics swimming, Brock was an 200 metres individual medley relay gold medallist.  Her other medal was silver in colour and earned in the 100 metres breaststroke.
 
. And the winner is ... BROCK WHISTON
 
 
. SPORTS VOLUNTEER-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by former Mayor John Mylod). Presenting this award was Mrs. Julia Lopez MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, in whose Constituency this function was held, as the sponsor was unwell.
 
. WEININGER IRWIN
Weininger is the livewire who makes things tick at the Ageless Teenagers/Cool Rowings Club. The Club hosts indoor rowing and chair-based exercises at "The Hub" in Romford primarily for people over 60 - but no one is excluded.  Weininger calls it "Row-T" as attenders row, then have cups of tea and socialise.  His ethos is change the narrative hence he's brought adaptable exercises to a forgotten age group.  He gives "social medication" via exercise and a community spirit, which not only benefits their physical wellbeing but also their mental health and wellbeing.  Weininger once raised money by completing a 24 hour for "Comic Relief".  He raised money for the same Charity when taking pensioners and rowing machines on the Elizabeth Line between Romford and Heathrow, stopping off at each station to row on platforms.  He arranged a fully adaptive and inclusive sports event at the Copperbox Arena for "Ageless Teenagers" along with several infant schools which saw over 300 people of all ages in a line dance.  In December he took coaches of Ageless Teenagers ranging from 60-to-88 to compete in the British Rowing Indoor Championship.  An 86 year old won gold and broke the British record by 4 minutes.  The 88 year gold won gold in the lightweight group for her age category. Volunteer Weininger Irwin wants to bring sport to all, whether young or old.  He'll take his rowing machines anywhere, such as shopping centres and libraries. He holds taster sections to ignite interest in potential newcomers.  30 years' ago when winning won the first Series of "Gladiators" he vowed he'd remain in sport and give back to his community and encourage other to participate and enjoy sport, the way he does.  He's an inspiring person who leads by example.  When wining "Gladiators" he ran a gym at Ford's aptly named "Body Plant" so was the best known person at the giant factory.  Yes he won "Gladiators" so let's hear a loud round of applause for Weininger.
 
. KEVIN WHITE
Kevin has been a continuous loyal Havering Athletic Club member for approaching 50 years, yes 50 years, being a very successful participant in Club teams during a long spell from the 1970s-to-the-1990s, concentrating on 400 metres events.  He has long service as a Committee man and was Havering Athletic Club President from 2010-to-2018.  He's an esteemed Club Vice President and currently is their Vice Chairman.  Kevin qualified as an endurance jumps coach and is one of the Club's successful middle distance groups who compete in the Southern and National Leagues, the Essex Cross-Country League and in Country, Regional and National events.  Kevin qualified as a Field Events Official in 2012 and officiates for his Club - week in-and-week out at League meetings, acting as Field Referee for home fixtures.  He officiates at County, Regional and lately at National events as he's progresses through the levels.  He's truly a Club volunteer who usually opens up the track and is fabled for always being the last to leave.
 
.  And ... the winner is KEVIN WHITE
 
 
. SPORTS CLUB-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by BATS of Ilford)  
 
.  HORNCHURCH CRICKET CLUB
They've enjoyed successes since their 1783 formation but their European successes supersedes all before it.  The stakes rose high when Hornchurch were chosen to represent England in the February's European T20 Finals. There have been amazing successes over the last few years by a small Club from Essex.  They were winners of the 2024 European Cricket Club Championship, having been runners-up the previous year.  They went a step further and won this prestigious tournament in Spain.  36 European countries took park with the winners of each country's 20.20 competitions competing in Group Stages. The winners of each Group then went into the final rounds hoping to become European Champions - the highest award in Club cricket.  In Group Stages Hornchurch won 7-out-of-8 matches to get through to the final and were joined by teams from Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Jersey.  Hornchurch then won all 8 matches to make the final in which they beat the Jersey Channel Island team. The set up in Malaga is impressive with over 10 million watching the Final through various television outlets.  Back home enthusiastic Club members erected posters advising of television channels screening their games and match times.  This included eye-catching posters in Hornchurch's always busy town centre.  The all-round performance was outstanding.  Hornchurch were by far the best bowling side, backed up by some incredible catching and fielding, which brought special responses from such legends as Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist.  The Club's Youth team continued their success with the Under 15s again winning all competitions in their age group.  Indeed they've only lost twice in the 4 years they've played together.  Hornchurch Cricket Club field multiple teams each Saturday and Sunday with all age groups catered for. The Club are proud that, over many years, so many talented established 1st team regulars are players who've risen through the ranks from their junior sides.  Hornchurch Cricket Club look forward to defending their European Cup in Spain later this month. Your appreciation please for HORNCHURCH CRICKET CLUB.
 
.  TIGERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
This Hornchurch-based Club is a vibrant hub of community activity, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity through "the beautiful game". It's a 3 Star Football Association Accredited Club which has grown considerably since its 1987 foundation.  As well as nurturing young talent they promote football as a fun activity with an extensive programme for girls, boys and players with disabilities.  They've maintained a high standard which sees them welcomed back to this presentation evening having been runners-up to to 2021 FA Trophy winners Hornchurch Football Club.  Teams range from Under 6's-to-Under 16's including women's sides.  Their successful enjoyable "Wildcats program" encourages girls aged 5-to-11 to develop football skills and gain confidence by seeing them thrive in a supportive environment.  Children aged 6-to-16 are warmly warmly welcomed to enjoyable sessions. A 3G pitch at Brittons Academy exemplifies a Club commitment to making football accessible. Boys' teams are robust with 30 sides playing every weekend with ages from Under 7's to Open men's categories. Such a range ensures members of all ages and standards can get a game.  Individual development and team skills are equally worked on.  Central to such a large operation is a Committee of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scene.  They organise events, promote plans, ensure secure funding and maintain facilities - and are the backbone of Tigers Junior Football Club.  Tigers stand out as a shining example of how grassroots sports can positively impact a community. Please show your appreciation for Tigers Junior Football Club.
 
. And the winner is ...  HORNCHURCH CRICKET CLUB
 
 
. SENIOR SCHOOL TEAM-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by Brentwood M & E Services Limited).  Presenting this award is Mr. Jamie Crowe
 
. REDDEN COURT UNDER 14 FOOTBALL TEAM
This school is rightly proud that their team represented England in the prestigious and highly coveted Under 14 "Allen McKinstry British Isles Cup", held in Cardiff.  This annual tournament is a showcase of top-class young talent as it brings together National Champions from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. They battled against 3 National Champions in Ysgol Y Strade from Wales, Francis College from Ireland and Lurgan from Northern Ireland. In fierce competition Redden Court displayed exceptional skill and tactical awareness in a relentless pursuit of victory.  Performances were marked by intricate passing, clinical finishing and a collective determination which inspired teammates and captivated spectators. Each match was a testament to hard work with passing for the beautiful game. Beyond impressive results this tournament was an invaluable opportunity for young players to experience the highest level of youth football and show great character with sportsmanship.  Success reflected the School's exceptional coaching and development programs.  Redden Court were the first team in Havering and Essex history to represent England in an international competition.
 
. REDDEN COURT YEAR 7 GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM
They are nominated for a remarkable journey to become Junior National Basketball Association Champions which was the first time a Havering School had achieved this honour.  They displayed extraordinary talent and determination, finishing Group Stages unbeaten with an impressive 8-0 record scoring 252 points against 21.  Dominant Play-off performances saw 20-nil and 30-10 victories against Ormiston Park and Northampton School for Girls respectively.  In the Conference Finals, held at the University of East London, they triumphed over Aylesbury High School 21-13. They then faced a rematch against gateway Academy who'd been the only team to defeat them all season. They rose to the challenge to claim victory, showcasing their growth and resilience when fielding 2 players who'd only joined 3 months' earlier.  This great example of teamwork elevates the status of girls' basketball in Havering and puts our Borough firmly on the sporting map.
 
* Before announcing a winner and runner-up I'll point out it's the first time since Schools categories were included in these annual awards that the same school has filled the top 2 positions. So well done to Redden Court School from Harold Wood and their Physical Education staff.
 
. And the winner is ... REDDEN COURT UNDER 14 FOOTBALL TEAM
 
 
. PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM-OF-THE-YEAR (Sponsored by former Mayor Melvin Wallace who is Chairman of Havering Sports Council present this award)
 
. ENGAYNE GIRLS NETBALL AND CRICKET TEAM
Engayne Netball team reached a quarter-final of the Havering Competition. Although a proverbial "Bridge Too Far" the girls were keen to represent the School again.  So they volunteered in the summer to learn how to play cricket.  Every week they learnt the intricacies of bowling, betting and fielding.  On the day of their first competition their aim was to win just one game, but amazingly this team of beginners won them all to reach a semi-final.  Here again they just wanted to do their best, which proved enough for them to make the final. The final was another "Bridge Too Far" as they faced experienced opposition.  However they never gave up and for a team of complete newcomers to become 2nd best team in Havering it was an amazing achievement.
 
 
. HACTON PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
2024 was a wonderful year for the Girls football team, which consisted of 2 year 5 students with the remainder from year 6.  They won the Havering Cup and were then chosen to represent the Borough at the London Youth Games.  The 2 year 5 players, who still attend Hacton Primary School, have excelled to now become part of the Havering District Football team.
 
. And the winner is ... HACTON PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
 
 
. PETER BRUCE LIFETIME ACHIEVMENT AWARD (Sponsored by McDonalds Restaurants of Romford) - OUR TOP AWARD
 
This is awarded in memory of Peter Bruce, a former long-serving Havering Sports Council President and local sports activist in many roles, who passed-on in 2021. It's presented to a worthy Havering resident who had completed a minimum of 25 years' meritorious service on the Borough's sport's scene. 
 
Havering Sports Council presented 2 local sports high achievers with coveted "Lifetime Awards".
 
. GIORGIO BUGNATELLI BEM
His true legacy lies in his voluntary work in sports and community development.  For 35 continuous years since 1990 he's served initially as Club Administrator of Hylands, a not-for-profit tennis club and later as Secretary to the Trustees of Hylands Amateur Sports Club.  His tireless efforts for this long period have transformed local sports infrastructure and created lasting opportunities for youth development in Havering.  His tennis passion was ignited when Italy won the 1976 Davis Cup.  As a 12 year old he faced significant barriers in tennis due to its elitist perception and high costs.  Giorgio moved to the UK in 1982 and by 1990 when aged 26 he'd mastered tennis and earned coaching qualifications.  Early experience as a coach and a junior secretary at an Ilford club laid foundations for his future community sport contributions.  At times his desire to establish Hylands Tennis Club was an uphill challenge as he faced hurdles in persuading the Council to improve park tennis courts while he struggled with limited funding.  He had to mobilise volunteers from the community. He persevered to provide affordable tennis for local children when traditional Clubs were finally out of their reach.  1996 saw him upgrade all 6 Hylands Park tennis courts with National Lottery funding.  In 1996 he used his annual leave to attend an internship at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy. The year 2000 saw him establish the Hylands Park Action Group which successfully raised £132,800 through partnerships with Havering Parks service team. This provided an 18-station outdoor gym - the first of its kind in Essex - and a multi-use Games Area.  With the London Olympic Games on the horizon he further enhanced local sports facilities in a joint venture with Hornchurch High School culminating in a new sports facility worth £392,000.  Over the years he's raised over £900,000 for various sports projects.  He created an inclusive sports development programme for all ages and abilities and established a girls-only satellite club aimed at bridging gaps between Schools, Clubs and local communities. He's trained many young people for Tennis Leaders Awards and developed skills beyond sport.  His honours include a London Region Community and Heritage Award, A Green Flag Award for excellence in Park Management, the British Empire Medal for Charitable services to Hylands Community Amateur Sports Clubs and a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Club Hub Award for lifelong development to grassroots sports development.  His unwavering commitment to local sport included being a regular Havering Sports meetings attender for over 2 decades.  Please show your appreciation for Giorgio Bugnatelli BEM.
 
. KAY HAMILTON-GODDARD
Kay is the founder and owner of an established privately run Kay's Adult Swim School which is Upminster based and serves the Havering area.  Kay commenced swimming when aged 6 and by 15 had reached international level and competed for Scotland having held a Scottish Junior Champion Record for the 200 Metres butterfly.  Following retirement from competitive swimming as a junior Kay continued in Masters Competitions with success.  Key set up her Adult Swim School and for over 22 years and has taught countless adults in our Borough - and beyond - to swim and gain confidence in the water.  Her business employs swim teachers and water assistants and offers jobs to local children.  She teaches the skills required to help assistants to competently teach adults in what can be a frightening and alien environment for them - a swimming pool.  Kay has not only helped them gain teaching qualifications but has also contributed financially to assist them. Kay herself is Amateur Swimming Association qualified and teaches swimming to all - from beginners to adults and up to competition standard. Currently she teaching over 350 adults at her various classes.  In addition to full-time work Kay acts as Secretary for Havering Triathlon Club who are previous winners of our coveted "Club-of-the-Year" award. Her Swim School is unique in that all teaching is done from the water, whereas most such Schools teach from the poolside. Kay passes on her "know how" around the Borough - at Coopers School, Hornchurch Sports Centre, St.Edward's Junior School and Campion School.  Open water sessions are held at Grange Waters in Thurrock during Summer months.  Weekly water aerobics sessions are held in the Borough.  How does she fit all this in you may ask?  She's passionate about swimming and even finds time to swim for her own enjoyment. Her eyes light up every time she sees a swimming pool. Countless hundreds of people can now swim thanks to Kay and many of those have kept in touch, including some from Kay's early days, which is testament to the dedication shown to them. She's prepared to offer help and guidance to anyone.  Kay continues serving Havering Sports Council as a most diligent Honorary Membership Secretary. Her CV is impressive, having swum the 12 miles length of Lake Windermere as well as having completed several Ironman 70.3 events.  We could well be hearing more about Kay as the good lady has one big goal in the back of her mind - to swim the Channel.  Your appreciation for Kay Hamilton-Goddard please.
 
+
 
Our final presentation was jointly made by Romford's Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell and Hornchurch & Upminster MP Julia Lopez.  It's was a framed photograph of King Charles III and was accepted by Havering Sports Council's Chairman, former Mayor Melvin Wallace.
 
.  At this stage His Worshipful The Mayor of Havering - Councillor Gerry O'Sullivan - was due to address the gathering.  At short notice he was taken ill - so this speech was excellently delivered, at short notice, by Havering Council's Deputy Leader Councillor Gillian Ford, who is also Cabinet member with responsibility for Sports, leisure and recreation.
 
. The last word of the evening was delivered by the President of Havering Sports Council, Mr.Jeremy West MBE who made a presentation to M/c John Whitby who'd again oversaw the meeting - despite now residing in Peterborough.  .
 
+ Extra item :  After presenting Weininger Irwin with a runners'-up "Volunteer-of-the-Year" award, the recipient, who'd won the first series of "Gladiators" - without warning - then lifted Julia Lopez MP high.  It went down well, drew a great applause, and Julia took, being raised by a Gladiator, in good spirit.