CEREDIGION Sports Council celebrated the 25th anniversary of its successful Sports Awards by recognising the County’s new internationals, as well as its up and coming stars at a well-attended ceremony at Penmorfa, Aberaeron.

Almost 600 internationals have been recognised since its inception, and the ceremony also recognises coaches, volunteers, young ambassadors and unsung heroes who contribute to this success.

“We started back in 1992 at The Captain’s Table in New Quay, where we first recognised Ceredigion’s internationals, and we have now totalled an amazing 584 international awards,” said Ceredigion Sports Council chairman Gareth Lloyd.

“The Sports Awards have developed over the years and recognise all levels of sporting success, and those who contribute, from local community level, to county level and onto the international stage.

“It’s important to celebrate success, and to remember all the people who helped them get where they are, including coaches, parents, teachers and volunteers.

“I’d also like to thank our supporters, The Big Lottery Fund Wales, Sport Wales, Cambrian News and Ceredigion County Council for making this event happen.”

Former Wales and British Lions rugby star Brynmor Williams - who almost 40 years to the day had played for the Lions in the 1977 Test Series in New Zealand - praised 17 individuals, who represented Wales for the first time in the past year.

Williams, the president of the Ceredigion Sports Council, said: “Having been with these awards since their conception 25 years ago, I’m proud to be associated with a group that does so much behind the scenes for our sporting communities.

“I warmly congratulate all the sports people who have received awards today, and it’s important to celebrate success.

“Although I now live in south Wales, and have done for many years, I’m still a proud Cardi and any opportunity to put something back is very important to me.

“I would like to wish all the award winners all the success and happiness in their sporting challenges ahead, and also pay tribute to all the coaches, volunteers and those who play key roles in their success.”

A total of 17 Talented Juniors were also presented with awards by Anthony Evans, who was also a founder member of the Ceredigion Sports Awards in 1992.

The Coach of the Year award was presented to Amlyn Ifan of Bow Street FC and the 5x60 Volunteer Award went to Ffion Wyn Roberts, also of Bow Street.

The Young Ambassador of the Year awards were presented to Sarah Patterson, of Ysgol Bro Teifi, and Charlie Michell and Neyo Jones, of Ysgol Syr John Rhys.

The Unsung Hero Award was presented to Wayne Thomas, and the Disability Sport Wales Volunteer Award to Helen Pearce, of Aberystwyth Basketball Club.

Lee Coulson also received the Insport Gold Award on behalf of Aberystwyth Basketball Club, and Lampeter Fencing Club received an Insport Club Ribbon.

Ceredigion’s new internationals were: Dafydd Nicholls, surf lifesaving; Alastair Donnison, Triathlon; Ben Tear, Para Bowls; Owen Jones, rugby; Cyffin Guto Thomas, skiiing; Catrin Schroder, canoeing; Jason Davies, shooting; Amy Chapman-Partons, fencing; Ifor Christie, fly fishing; Steffan Rattray, fly fishing; Merlin Kennett, tetrathlon; Harriet Roper, karate; Charlie Roper, karate; Carolyn James, bowls; Ffion Wyn Sinnett Jones, short mat bowls; Kester Adams, touch rugby; and Ruth Bramley, canoeing.

The Talented Juniors were: Elin Davies, bowls; Wyn Williams, cycling, Dewi Dudley, fencing; Dion Teilo Regan, golf; Bryn Thomas, golf; Adam Clake, canoeing, Daniel Rees, canoe slalom; Jack Rimmer, football; Matthew Elliott, canoeing; Ryan Butler, equestrian; Hanna Griffiths, canoeing; Finlay Yates-Jones, canoeing; Kai Frisby, wheelchair basketball; Conrad Thackery, wheelchair basketball; Owen Jones, rugby; Tecwyn Williams, canoeing; and Catrin Schroder, canoeing.