An annual awards event celebrating sporting achievements in Darlington has come to an end after 50 years.
Organisers have confirmed “with great sadness” that the Darlington Sports Winners Scheme is closing.
The 50th anniversary event was staged in front of a packed audience at Darlington Hippodrome Theatre last July, and it has been decided “to go out on a high”.
Brian Dobinson, chair of the organising committee, said: " It is with great sadness that we have come to this decision following 50 years of celebration, but it was felt the right thing to do considering we had lost a couple of committee members and that our 50th year was so successful.
“It was felt that we couldn’t top the 50th anniversary, so it seems the right time to bow out. However, we continue to wish the sporting talent of Darlington all the very best in their future endeavours.”
Last year's winners will be contacted to return their trophies, which will be kept safe in case the scheme is resurrected in the future.
The organising committee has donated the remaining funds from the scheme – amounting to £950 – to Darlington Rotary Club in recognition of its “invaluable” support over the years.
Rotary has a new scheme and will use the money to support youngsters in their sporting achievements.
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Darlington Rotary President, Jane Bradshaw, said: “Darlington Rotary has supported the Sports
Winners Scheme for many years. It was our privilege to sponsor the Ron Lewis trophy for the ‘winner of winners’.
“At the 50th anniversary event, this trophy went to Theo Spinks, a champion Thai kick boxer who defied all odds after being diagnosed with a rare hip condition in his early childhood. Theo epitomises all that is good about the scheme which has encouraged young people to be the best they can be.
“Brian Dobinson and his team have done an amazing job, so it was with regret that we heard of Darlington Sports Winners coming to a close after such an illustrious run of 50 years, but we are thrilled about this donation and intend to use it well, towards introducing a new award, whereby Rotary will be able to support other budding champions.”
