Sporting success toasted at annual awards

Another successful season by the University of Wolverhampton’s sports teams and individuals was celebrated at its annual sports awards.

The 2018 awards, organised by the Institute of Sport and Human Sciences, celebrates the achievements of the University’s sporting body and those teams and individuals that compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships.

Staged at Molineux’s WV1 venue, the event was hosted by sports broadcaster Lynsey Hooper and featured guest speakers including Wolves Managing Director Laurie Dalrymple and Head of Sport at Birmingham City Council and part of the Birmingham 2022 team, Steve Hollingsworth.

Outstanding Team of the Year went to Women’s Judo made up of Acelya Toprak, Ebony Drysdale-Daley and Kelly Petersen-Pollard who won gold in the BUCS Judo team event and individual gold in their weight categories at the same event.

Team of the Year went to the Men’s Futsal 1^st Team who won the Midlands 3A division and their captain Justin Scott won Captain of the Year.

Dean Blake of the Men’s Basketball 1^st team won Coach of the Year and 400 metre runner Amy Hillyard won Sports Personality of the Year after winning silver at the BUCS Indoor Championships.

Mimi Cesar was named Alumni of the Year after representing Team England in rhythmic gymnastics at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

There were also awards for those involved in encouraging other students to get involved in social sport – Chloe Chapman was named Social Sport Activator of the Year for her work recruiting participants to wheelchair basketball and badminton.

Sport Volunteer of the Year went to Jamie Shelley-Ewan and the Director’s Award went to Men’s Volleyball captain Erhan Ali. University full and half colours were also awarded to eight students.