TOP sporting prowess was rewarded at the annual ceremony held at the Magna Academy in Poole.

Organised by Poole Sports Council in partnership with Borough of Poole’s culture and community learning, the awards mark the sporting achievements of individuals or teams, and recognise dedication or long service to a club or sport.

Richard Yates, chairman of Poole Sports Council, said: “We called upon local sports clubs, schools and other sports partners to identify athletes who have achieved something special.

“Once again we were not let down with 23 individual, three school teams and two club nominations.”

Presentations were made to a wide variety of sports, including swimming, cycle speedway, sailing, wheelchair rugby and netball.

“It is wonderful to see so many keen sports people rewarded for their hard work and dedication in a wide variety of sports,” said Poole Mayor, Cllr Peter Adams, who presented certificates of commendation.

He added: “We hope it will encourage them to continue their tremendous success in future.”

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for sports development, said: “It’s great to see so many of our residents joining in with the sporting opportunities available in Poole.

“It is especially encouraging to see so many children and young people not only enjoying the many sports available locally but also committing to many hours of hard work to train, compete and achieve at national level – a real inspiration.”

For the second year the awards were sponsored by the Everyone Active Leisure Centres with Sean Gabriel, centre manager at Rossmore, presenting Everyone Active Sports Trophies.

Recipient Macie Schmidt is the under-13s British Cycle Speedway champion and Leo McCrea won five swimming medals at the National Dwarf Sports Association Games.

Mark Pauley, who has been a member of Poole Athletics Club since 1984, was presented with the Freddie Rowe Sports Cup.