WITH most sports thriving on the Isle of Wight and so many achieving in them — all passionately backed up by coaches — it was a difficult decision for judges in presenting accolades at the 2017 Isle of Wight Sport Achievements Awards last night.

There were many deserved winners and nominees in categories that ranged from long service given to a sport, to emerging young talents and acts of sportsmanship.

Among the 25 winners to collect their awards at Newport's Medina Theatre was Liz Bell, who won the award for individual who has made an outstanding contribution to sport.

More than 30 years ago, Liz recognised that many children with asthma were too scared of exercise and that it may exacerbate their breathing problems.

She saw play in a swimming pool as exercise they could do through her Isle of Wight Asthma Swim Group, which has helped many youngsters and adults over the years and led to many representing the Isle of Wight in the Island Games.

Among the Island's many young talents is rower Daisy Faithfull, who won awards for top intermediate girl and, with her younger sister, Emily, for intermediate team.

For Daisy, who attends Sandown Bay Academy, 2017 was an unprecedented year having individually won the National Indoor Rowing Championship going on to become the Hampshire and Dorset ladies' junior sculls champion, together with the ladies' junior pairs title with Emily.

Awards were presented by the Island's Lord Lieutenant, Maj Gen Martin White, and sponsors.

For a full report and pictures, see next week's County Press.