Young Hampshire sports stars from schools and colleges across the county have been recognised for outstanding achievement at the Hampshire Schools Sports Federation’s 26th annual Michael Austin Harlick Awards, organised with support from Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “The County Council aims to provide sporting opportunities for all young people in its schools, and the awards given this year demonstrate what a wide range of sports young people have been inspired to learn, and even to excel in.

“It is exciting to see the wealth of young sports talent here in Hampshire being nurtured in our schools and colleges and being honoured with these awards. It is a testament to the hard work of the young people and their coaches and supporters that so many of them will be aiming to compete for their country.”

At the special ceremony, held at Ashburton Hall in Winchester, opened by Mrs Sarah Thorne DL, Isobel Pooley, Silver Medallist in the Glasgow Commonwealth games and current UK record holder in High Jump, presented the winners with their trophies for excelling in a variety of sports, from athletics and badminton to taekwondo and trampoline, many are set to be stars of the future.

Kelly Simm last years winner of the Michael May Cup also talked to the assembled audience about her latest sporting success – being part of the GB Gymnastics team who recently won GB’s first ever medal at the World Championships.

The Hampshire London 2012 Legacy Award was presented to Agnes Swiecka, from Peter Symonds College in Winchester, who has made a significant contribution to physical education (PE) and sport through volunteering.

The Michael May Cup for the most outstanding single performance of the year was presented to Joe Marchant for his outstanding performances for England U20 Rugby XV in last seasons 6 Nations Championship winning campaign.

The President’s Trophy for the outstanding team performance of the season, now re-dedicated to the memory of Ken Butcher MBE, a great servant to Hampshire School Sport, went to Westgate School Key Stage 3 Badminton team for winning the National Cup.

Other winners receiving the Michael Harlick Outstanding Sportsperson Award were:

• Andrew Douglas Athletics The Gregg School

• Zakariya Mahamed Cross Country Cantell School

• Annie Lado Badminton Westgate School

• Ashley Briggs Basketball Noadswood School

• Charlie Gunson Football Sparsholt College

• Adrian Mylrea Golf Noadswood School

• Nancy Hudson Netball Kings’ School

• Sebastian Herold Rugby Churcher’s College

• Violetta Howard Small-Bore Rifle Shooting Testbourne Community College

• Alfie Lawes Squash Kings’ School

• Martin Matuzevicius Table Tennis Portsmouth College

• Tayla Porter Trampolining The 6th Form College, Farnborough

The Michael Austin Harlick awards recognise consistent and outstanding achievement in school sports activities throughout the academic year. Nominations are received from county schools’ sports associations affiliated to the Hampshire Schools’ Sports Federation.

Special Awards recognising the long and dedicated service to school sport were made to David Heron and Roger Venning both of whom have contributed to creating opportunities for young people to realise their talents for in excess of 40 years.