Rugby World Cup 2015 referee Nigel Owens was among 12 sporting talents crowned winners at the Carmarthenshire Sports Personality Awards on Friday.
At a glittering ceremony, hosted by Sky 1’s TV hit series Stella’s Julian Lewis-Jones, winners from across the county were honoured for their sporting success at Y Ffrwnes Theatre.
International referee Nigel Owens was named Sports Personality of the Year for his outstanding success during 2015 which included refereeing at the RBS Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup Final.
X Factor star and Cariad charity founder, Sherilyn Hamilton-Shaw brought the house down when she opened the event in its 18th year.
During the evening guests were given an insight into Hall of Fame inductee Stephen Perks with a video of the GB winning relay team he coached that won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics. Olympic athlete Christian Malcolm also sent a special message which was shown on the big screen.
Over £700 was collected for The Ray Gravell and Friends Charitable Trust in donations from guests.
Other winners include: Young Sportswoman of the Year, Ella Barnell; Young Sportsman of the Year, Nathan James; Sports Volunteer of the Year, Nick Evans; Young Volunteer of the Year, Rhian Moremon; Community Sport Coach of the Year, Debra Morris-Cavill; High Performance Coach of the Year, Kevin Evans MBE; Disabled Sportsman of the Year, Liam Griffiths; Disabled Sportswoman of the Year, Ffion Edwards, Llanelli Gymnastics Club; Team of the Year, Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Espoir Team and Outstanding Services to Sport, Geoffrey Matthews.
The awards are organised by Carmarthenshire Council’s sports development and recognise the sporting achievements of athletes, coaches and volunteers across Carmarthenshire.
Our media partners were Carmarthen Journal, Llanelli Star and Radio Carmarthenshire.
Executive board member for regeneration and leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Carmarthenshire has a wealth of sporting talent and Friday night was all about honouring and recognising these inspirational people.”
Thanks to our sponsors Owens Group, WRW, TAD, Jenkins Bakery, Arriva Trains Wales, Castell Howell, Sport Wales and Manhattan Marketing.
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