CEREDIGION recognised some of its top sports personalities at the Cambrian News-sponsored Ceredigion Sports Council International Awards Ceremony.

The county’s latest internationals, this year representing 10 different sports, as well as its up and coming stars, attended the annual event at Penmorfa, Aberaeron.

Over 600 internationals have been recognised since its inception 26 years ago, and the event also acknowledges the coaches, volunteers, ambassadors and unsung heroes who contribute to their success.

“This event is organised with Ceredigion Actif, and brings all that is good about local sports, and the people that make it happen,” said Cllr Gareth Lloyd, Chairman of Ceredigion Sports Council.

“Eight categories were awarded today, starting with our future stars from the Talented Sporting Juniors programme. We also recognise the volunteers within our communities who give so much to benefit others, and finally to the pinnacle, for those who have excelled to the highest stage and have represented their county.

“Sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles are very much a part of our culture in Ceredigion’s communities, and we need to invest in and develop people and places for future generations to benefit.

“A deserved thank you goes to the Cambrian News, a constant partner over the years, to Sport Wales and Disability Sport Wales for their contributions, and to Ceredigion County Council, who have backed us for over a quarter of a century.”Ian Carswell, from the Teifi Boating Club, was awarded the prestigious award of Ceredigion Sports Coach of the Year and Eirian Reynolds was awarded the Disability Sport Wales Volunteer Award.The Young Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Catrin Davies, who gives a great deal of her time to activities within the school and the community of Tregaron.The Bronze Young Ambassador of the Year was awarded to four pupils from Plascrug School, Aberystwyth while the Young Ambassador of the Year was presented to Osian Davies, a pupil from Ysgol Bro Teifi.The Unsung Hero Award went to Tricia Chapman, who is a committed volunteer at Ceredigion Netball.Wales Rugby Sevens coach Gareth Williams, who was assistant coach of the Team GB Sevens squad which won silver at Rio’s Olympic Games in 2016, presented awards to the new internationals.

2018 Internationals: Harri Horwood (Football); Sion Evans (Squash); Ffion Davies Wigley (Tetrathlon); Gareth Hodgson (Triathlon); Bryn Thomas (Golf); Heulwen Morgan (Bowls); Sue Hough (Bowls); Carol Moulton (Bowls); Anne Williams (Bowls); Tanya Morgan (Fly Fishing); Sioned Weeks (Carp Fishing); Peter Williams (Bowls); Gwion Williams (Canoeing); Eunice Carter (Orienteering); Ryan Butler (Wheelchair Basketball); Jordan Payne (Wheelchair Basketball); Tegwen Dudley (Wheelchair Basketball); Sam Law (Wheelchair Basketball); Lee Jenkins (Football); Tom Nightingale (Basketball); Beca Roberts (Athletics); Lili Church (Athletics); Steffan Evans (Touch Rugby).

Awards to assist Talented Juniors in their pursuit of excellent were presented by Cambrian News Sports Editor Adam Hughes to: Ella Edwards (Golf); Neuala Ellis-Jones (Equestrian); Osian Williams (Canoe Slalom); Caleb Williams (Canoe Slalom); Joshua Gwynne (Hockey); Joshua Hathaway (Football); Orla O’Regan (Hockey); Conor O’Regan (Hockey); James Payne (Swimming); Elis Rees Lewis (Rugby); Brynley Morris (Rugby); Gwion Williams (Canoe Slalom); Harri Horwood (Football); Courtney Perkins (Football); Aodhan O’Regan (Hockey); Ruadhan O’Rehan (Hockey); Millie Hore (Karate); Tanya Morgan (Fly Fishing); Josh Cox (Rugby) and Zaid Ali Khan (Cricket).