hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn January 2019 | Page 35

Paralympian Sophie Christiansen honoured on special night for heroes of sport Paralympic hero Sophie Christiansen CBE became the first woman inducted into the Bucks and Milton Keynes Sporting Hall of Fame at a glittering awards night. The 31-year-old, who was born two months prematurely with cerebral palsy, took centre stage as nearly 300 people gathered on November 22nd at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre for the 13th annual Bucks & MK Sport Awards. The evening is organised to pay tribute to the people and organisations who make grass-roots sport happen, while also giving the special Hall of Fame tribute to the county’s elite-level athletes. Christiansen, a Paralympic dressage rider and eight-time Gold medallist, first began riding for physiotherapy aged six, joining the South Bucks Riding for the Disabled Association in Fulmer aged 13. She was presented with the award by the Lord-Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher. Afterwards, she told of her delight at the accolade which puts her in the same league as the likes of previous Hall of Fame recipients Sir Steve Redgrave and Greg Rutherford MBE. She said: “To be in the same league as all those talented athletes and being the first female para athlete opens the door to all the diversity coming through.” Sue Imbriano, Chair of Leap – the County Sport and Activity Partnership which co-ordinated the awards – told the audience: “We have a relentless focus on improving people’s lives through physical activity and sport.” If you know a local community sport hero who deserves thanks and recognition, please nominate them for next year’s awards. Email [email protected] or call 01296 585249. The winners were: • Group of the year 2018 (Sponsored by My Milton Keynes) - Wycombe Squash & Racketball Club • Community Coach of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by Evolve and Places Leisure) - Melanie Timberlake from Aylesbury • Performance Coach of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by PJ Care Ltd. Specialist Neurological Care) - Kevin Brooks, Head coach at Wycombe District Swimming Club • Project of the year 2018 (Sponsored by Buckinghamshire County Council) - Cancer Rehabilitation at Wycombe Leisure Centre • Primary School of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by Bucks New University) - Swanbourne Church of England School, Milton Keynes • Secondary School of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by The University of Buckingham, Leaders in Entrepreneurship); Denbigh School, Milton Keynes • Young Leader of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by Buckinghamshire College Group) - Isabella Parola, 17, who lives near Great Missenden • Volunteer of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by MK Council) - Sarah Prior of High Wycombe for her work at Wycombe Hockey Club • Unsung Hero of the Year 2018 (Sponsored by More Leisure at Stoke Mandeville Stadium) - Denise Knibbs, from Bourne End, who founded the South Bucks Special Schools Association hiyabucks.com | 35