THE ANNUAL Eastleigh Sports Awards proved to be a success despite taking place online this year because of the coronavirus.

As previously reported, the tenth annual ceremony for the Eastleigh Sports Awards was done virtually for the first time ever this year, to ensure that the sporting achievements of those across the borough last year would not go unnoticed, despite the logistical problems caused by the lockdown.

The virtual ceremony took place on the Eastleigh Sport and Physical Activity Alliance Twitter account (@EastleighSPAA) at 7pm on Monday May 18, after social distancing guidance led to the cancellation of the original awards ceremony, which would have taken place at The Hilton at The Ageas, Hedge End.

Chair of Eastleigh's SPAA, Lou Gittens, said: "“Whilst these awards are recognition of last year’s performance and efforts, I would like to say how pleasing it has been to see coaches, clubs, organisations, volunteers working so hard in recent months to keep providing opportunities for health and engagement within the community. The recognised benefits of such activities are well-known to us. We can hope that this may provide a positive legacy moving on from these experiences”.

The ceremony provided the opportunity to celebrate individual excellence, team achievement, as well as recognising those people who work behind the scenes to support local talent and provide opportunities for residents to lead an active lifestyle across the Borough.

There were twelve award categories on the night, showcasing a successful 2019 for schools, officials, coaches, volunteers and projects as well as talented athletes, and some of which were presented by Councillor Keith House, Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes, Ex-Saint Francis Benali.

Some of the award winners included the Eastleigh Amateur Boxing Club, who won the "Sports Club of the Year" award, and Barton Peveril's FA People's Cup Futsal Team, who won the "Team of the Year" award.

Eastleigh Borough Council Cabinet Member for Health, Tonia Craig, said: "It was an important and innovative event to allow local sports and physical activity facilitators and participants to celebrate their efforts and achievements in a wider public forum. I’m always so impressed by the talent and passion on show and this year was no different. With more opportunities for residents to get active as lockdown eases we hope new active hobbies are explored and enjoyed, and the fantastic world of sport, with all its many benefits, returns as soon as it’s safe.”

To see the full list of winners, visit the Eastleigh Borough Council website.