Wigan Borough's grassroots sports champions were honoured at the Believe Sports Awards on Saturday 17 October at The Edge, Wigan. The annual ceremony, organised by the council's Be Well service and sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd, celebrated community leaders from rugby league, football, wrestling and martial arts.
Sir Billy Boston Lifetime Achievement Awards
The event marked the inaugural presentation of the Sir Billy Boston Lifetime Achievement Awards. Three local sports figures received the honour: Margaret Galvin from Leigh Harriers and Athletic Club, Roy Wood from Aspull Olympic Wrestling Club, and Joe Fitzsimmons from Wigan St Judes ARLFC.
Members of Sir Billy's family attended the ceremony to present prizes alongside Matthew Hoggard MBE, an Ashes cricket hero who was guest speaker at the event.
Council Recognition of Local Sports Culture
Councillor Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: "Sport is a huge part of who we are here in Wigan Borough, and our incredible grassroots community is one of the things that makes our borough so special and unique. There's so much talent and so many passionate people who give their time and energy to support others to chase their dreams and unleash their potential."