Jeffries lands top prize (From The Northern Echo)

Jeffries lands top prize

9:13am Saturday 8th November 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

TONY Jeffries was celebrating last night after being named North-East Sports Personality of the Year at the SportsAid Northern Awards Dinner in Newcastle.

Jeffries, a Sunderland-born boxer who won bronze at this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing, was the big winner at the North-East’s annual dinner in aid of the SportsAid charity.

The 23-year-old light heavyweight, who is currently deciding whether to turn professional, was honoured for his success in the amateur ranks.

Paralympian Stephen Miller was also presented with an award after winning a silver medal at September’s Paralympic Games, while Deerness Gymnastics Club members Alexandra Stephens and Rebecca Cook were praised for winning a bronze medal at last month’s World Age Group Acrobatics Championships in Glasgow.

Last night’s dinner raised funds for SportsAid, a national charity that provides funds to Britain’s aspiring sportsmen and women.

SportsAid focuses on giving grants to youngsters aged 12 to 18, from 50 able-bodied and 25 disability sports. The grants, generally worth £500, help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees and equipment.

Since 1976, SportsAid has distributed around £20m, issuing around 1,500 grants per year.

SportsAid’s northern branch is one of the most active in the country, and last night’s fundraiser included a presentation to former chairman Derek Priestman.