FORMER Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba helped the celebrations go with a swing at the 2018 Bolton Active Sports Awards.

Almost a thousand people packed into the Macron Stadium’s Premier Suite, where the guest-of-honour was surprised to receive the final award of the night, Bolton Council’s Special Recognition Award.

That was presented for his contribution to football but also for his campaigning to raise awareness of the need for defibrillators to be installed at sports clubs.

“Fabrice was brilliant,” said community sports development officer Wahid Khan. “Our compere [BBC TV’s Roger Johnson] was fantastic with him, and he had no idea he was being presented with an award. We’re very proud he was there with us to honour our winners and nominees on what was a top night. There were so many worthy winners and seven of them will go forward to the Greater Manchester awards.

“The feedback we have had makes all the hard work and sleepless nights worth it.”

The awards are thought to be the region’s biggest and, in addition to Muamba’s, 13 more prestigious awards were handed out, with the worthy winners selected from a shortlist by the sponsors.

Also attending was Caroline Chronnell, the partner of former Bolton News sports writer Liam Chronnell, who passed away in 2011. Caroline presented this year’s memorial trophy, in Liam’s honour, to Metro Boxing’s Winston Miragh, who also volunteers at Gloves Community Centre, in recognition of his contribution to boxing in the area.

Also receiving prizes were:

Charlene Kirk (Changing Lifestyle Recognition, sponsored by USN Bolton Arena).

Charlene’s life changed immeasurably when she suffered cardiac arrest and spent nine weeks in a coma. Despite having a machine keeping her heart pumping she is determined to recover and regain her independence.

AFC Masters (Club Class of the Year, sponsored by Decathlon Bolton).

The club provides opportunities for footballers of all abilities, with a broad spectrum of disabilities. Their five open-age and two junior squads are thriving.

Iain Massingham (Coach of the Year, sponsored by Nissan Bolton).

Inspirational coach at AFC Masters who gives up his time to provide support for players, other coaches and other club volunteers.

Megan Errington (Disability Sports Achiever of the Year, sponsored by Air Vault Trampoline Park).

Stunt cheerleader Megan is a valued member of the BGC squad, attaining UKCA Level 3 Stunt Group champion title, despite living with the daily struggles of cystic fibrosis.

Dylan Barrett (Sports Achiever of the Year, sponsored by University of Bolton).

Twelve-year-old karate star regularly competing at British, European and world level with nine world titles to his name and a world number one ranking.

John Dawson (Unsung Hero in Sport, sponsored by iPro Sport).

A man who has dedicated more than four decades of his life to Turton Swimming Club, has held every position at the club. Now 85, he has taught thousands to swim.

Kiera Byland (Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Carr’s Pasties).

Coaches swimming at Ladybridge Disability Swim Club and cycling at Bolton Hot Wheels, a great inspiration to disabled and non-disabled children in the area.

St Thomas Halliwell Primary School (School Commitment to Sport and PE, sponsored by YPO).

St Thomas has excellent after-school sports provision and evidence of inclusivity and the sig-nificance of every child taking part.

Emily Tate (Disabled Achievement Award, sponsored by Bolton Council).

Passionate about dancing Emily, who has Downs’ Syndrome, has overcome numerous barriers and her enthusiasm and passion for dancing inspires those around her.

Bolton Futsal U12s (Junior Sports Team Achievement of the Year, sponsored by The Emerson Group).

The team went undefeated in defending their national title as well as winning regional tournaments and won the Barcelona Mamut tournament without conceding a goal.

Horwich Hockey Club ladies’ first team (Senior Sports Team of the Year, sponsored by Agilisys).

A year after a season in which they won just one match, the team – which began just three years ago – bounced back to win a league and divisional cup double.

George Baylis (Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Saville Audio Visual and Portfolio Design).

George offers up so much of his time to coach others despite having dyslexia, dyspraxia, Irlen’s Syndrome and autism.