Steel-y determination wins Andy top GM Sports Award

The 18th annual Greater Manchester Sports Awards took place at Emirates Old Trafford, when over 500 guests were in attendance.

Andy Steel was the pride of Oldham on the night, as he won the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award.

Andy volunteers for Oldham AFC where he is currently second team manager, academy coach, executive committee member and social media officer.

He also supports Andy’s Man Club wherever he can – a group designed to support men to talk about mental health issues.

Andy has not missed a day’s training session or match in the last year and is always available to talk to, or listen to anyone at the club.

The Greater Manchester Sports Awards event celebrates the outstanding commitment and achievements made in physical activity and sport across the region over the past 12 months.

The night featured the motivational guest speaker Claire Lomas; marathoner, motorcyclist, hand cyclist and campaigner who returned to Manchester after completing this year’s Greater Manchester Marathon in a robotic suit.

Claire said: “Sport and physical activity have the power to transform lives so it’s vital that we celebrate and reward those who help to get communities more active.

"I was thrilled to return to Greater Manchester, after completing the Marathon here earlier this year, to be part of this year’s event and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the people here in Greater Manchester.”

GreaterSport CEO Sara Tomkins said: “The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are so important to recognise the work across our region and the positive impact on people’s lives.

"Without all our finalists, physical activity and sport in Greater Manchester would not be the success it is and their achievements should be celebrated.

"I congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements over the last 12 months.”

There were eight awards altogether, with finalists coming from the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.

All winners:

Sports Achiever of the Year; Ewan Wilson – Salford

Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year; Danny Royle - Salford

Changing Lifestyle Award; Sally Skellern - Wigan

Volunteer of the Year; Andy Steel - Oldham

Coach of the Year; Jane Dennison - Trafford

Unsung Hero of the Year; Vivien Makin - Bury

School Commitment to PE and Sport Award; Russell Scott Primary School - Tameside

Club of the Year; Dom Doyle FC - Tameside

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.