SPORTS AWARDS: Mayor’s praise for borough’s sports stars

The latest chapter in Ballymena’s rich sporting history was celebrated in style last week.
Former world boxing champion Eamonn Loughran, who was inducted into the Ballymena Sporting Hall of Fame, pictured with Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr. Audrey Wales and compere Jackie Fullerton. INBT06-226ACFormer world boxing champion Eamonn Loughran, who was inducted into the Ballymena Sporting Hall of Fame, pictured with Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr. Audrey Wales and compere Jackie Fullerton. INBT06-226AC
Former world boxing champion Eamonn Loughran, who was inducted into the Ballymena Sporting Hall of Fame, pictured with Mayor of Ballymena, Cllr. Audrey Wales and compere Jackie Fullerton. INBT06-226AC

The 16th Ballymena Sports Awards once again showcased the rich array of sporting talent that resides and competes within the Ballymena borough.

The magnificent surroundings of the Braid Town Hall complex once again played host to what has become the jewel in the crown of the area’s sporting social calendar for another memorable night.

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Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: “The Sports Awards Dinner allows us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our local sportsmen and women.

She said the function is designed “to pay tribute to the players, athletes, coaches managers and administrators of sport within our borough for their hard work and determination throughout the last year.

Paying tribute to the generous backing of the various sponsors of the awards, Councillor Wales said: “This support helps us to deliver this event in a manner which befits the standard of the nominees.

“We want to showcase and celebrate everyone involved in sport - from grass roots to elite level - within the borough.

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“We are very proud of our sportsmen and women and we appreciate the importance of sport to our citizens and to society.

The Mayor also reiterated Ballymena Borough Council’s support for sport in the borough through provision of facilities and also funding programmes such as the Sports Grants Scheme and Sporting Excellence Schemes.

She also pointed to Ballymena’s ability to host top-level sporting events such as European Challenge Tour golf, the Northern Ireland Cup football tournament and Victory Shield youth international football matches on an annual basis, while this year, Carnview Farms at Glarryford was a host venue for shooting events at the World Police and Fire Games.

“On behalf of Ballymena Borough Council, I would like to congratulate you all on your successes in 2013 and offer sincere encouragement for you to continue to strive towards your sporting goals in 2014,” added the Mayor.

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