A COLCHESTER swimming stalwart joined two north Essex sports clubs on the podium at the Active Essex Sports Awards.

Maggie Hargraves, who represents Colchester Phoenix Swimming Club took top spot in the services to disability category in the countywide competition.

Judges said Maggie, who founded the club, has “made a significant contribution to advancing opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved in sport”.

Colchester-based Kats Netball Club was also on the podium at the Chelmsford Racecourse ceremony as it was named community club of the year.

The club has 200 members, aged from seven onwards, and is run by a team of volunteer coaches and umpires.

The volunteers also organise social and fundraising events and the club manages the Colchester Young Netball League.

Tendring-based Beat the Street was named physical activity project of the year.

Judges praised it for turning the whole of Tendring into a live physical activity game, which more than 10,000 people took part in.

West Mersea sailor Saskia Clark, who took Rio gold alongside teammate Hannah Mills in the women’s 470 class, was beaten to top spot in awards’ top sports personality of the year award category, which went to fellow Rio Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock, from Basildon.

He won Team GB’s first medal in the all-around gymnastics event in 108 years. Saskia was highly commended.

Speaking after picking up the award, the gymnast said: “I’m truly delighted to win the Essex Sports Personality of the Year. 2016 has been a tremendous year for sport and it’s great to be here tonight celebrating everyone’s outstanding achievements.

“I’d really like to thank all those who voted for me, it is such an honour to win especially as the award was voted for by the public.”

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise all the people, clubs, organisations and volunteers across the county.

Azeem Akhtar, Active Essex chair, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners from this year’s Active Essex Sport Awards from the grass roots right up to elite athletes.

“Their hard work and dedication inspire people around them to get active whatever their age or ability.”

John Aldridge, Chairman of Essex County Council, added: “We all know the importance of having an active lifestyle and Active Essex plays a big part in making sure the right expertise and support is available for people across the county to participate in a sport or physical activity of their choice, at their chosen level.” – I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of this year’s Active Essex Sports Awards winners.”

Ray Gooding, Essex county councillor with responsibility for sport, said: “Well done to everyone shortlisted this year and congratulations to all of our winners.”