Sport stars celebrated

Commonwealth Games silver medalist Nikara Jenkins was among the winners at the Carmarthenshire Sports Personality Awards on Monday night.

At a glittering ceremony at Ffwrnes Theatre 12 sporting heroes from across the county were honoured at the 17th annual event in January. Rugby legends the late Ray Gravell and Stuart Gallacher were also invited into the Hall of Fame.

Rhythmic gymnast Nikara was named Sports Personality of the Year for her outstanding achievements during 2014 which included a silver team medal at the games in Glasgow and securing two first and second places at the British Apparatus Championships.

Eleven other sporting talents were recognised including Young Sportswoman of the Year, Manon Lloyd, cycling; Young Sportsman of the Year, Joe Holt for cycling; Sports Volunteer of the Year, Kate Williams, hockey; Young Volunteer of the Year, Zoe Swift, hockey; Community Sport Coach of the Year, Dai Davies, archery; High Performance Coach of the Year, Nia Evans, rhythmic gymnastics; Disabled Sportsman of the Year, Charles Griffiths, golf and athletics; Disabled Sportswoman of the Year, Llinos Gilmore-Jones; Young Team of the Year, Llanelli Gymnastics Club; Team of the Year, Whitland Ladies RFC and Outstanding Services to Sport, John Phillips, boxing.

The awards are organised by Carmarthenshire Council’s sports development unit in partnership with the Carmarthenshire Local Sports Council and recognise the sporting achievements of athletes, coaches and volunteers across Carmarthenshire.

Executive board member for regeneration and leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The quality of entries received this year was once again outstanding and it gets more difficult for the judging panel year on year. It’s fantastic we have such a wealth of sporting talent in our county and this event honours people of all ages and abilities who contribute to sport in Carmarthenshire.”