Utilita at the 2016 Eastleigh Sports Awards

Utilita was proud to be one of a group of community focussed sponsors for the Eastleigh Sports Awards. The awards, which were hosted at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, identify and celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams, volunteers and coaches who give so much, to make sport happen!

BBC Radio Solent presenter Kevan James introduced the awards, and after an inspirational speech from former Southampton footballer Francis Benali, Utilita presented the first award of the night, for Volunteer of the Year. This was awarded to Shirley Smith, for her contributions to the local rugby scene throughout the years, all of which she has done for a love of the sport.

Shortly after, Paralympic gold medallist David Smith talked about his experiences in the Olympics, and what it took to get there, before winning an award himself for Disability Sportsperson of the Year.

To round off the night, Utilita presented the final award, for Services to Sport, which was won by Derek Brooks, the founder of Eastleigh FC, who was unable to make it to the awards, so Eastleigh CEO Mark Jewell accepted it on his behalf.

The event really highlighted the love and passion that so many people in the community have for sports, and it was a joy to be a part of it, and to have the chance to meet such inspirational people.