Athlete Peter Elliott, gold medallist Paul Goodison, international keeper David Seaman, ex-F1 driver Justin Wilson and international football referee Howard Webb have competed at the top of their game.

But for every big name, there are hundreds of others building the foundations to help people of all ages reach their sporting ambitions and potential.

Hellaby Hall Hotel hosted the 2009 awards, organised by Rotherham Council's Sports Development team and big-hearted businesses to honour those who turn up day in, day out, rain or shine.

Last year's Club of the Year winners, Dinnington's Studio Dance, performed for the audience and showed why they currently enhoy competing on the world stage.

Owen Swift, sports and physical activity development officer, said: "The aim of the awards is to reward and recognise those who contribute to Rotherham being a great sporting town, from grassroots to those competing internationally."

"We have a great range of talented sports stars in the borough and it's important that we recognise their achievements. These individuals work extremely hard at their chosen sport and it's important we get behind them and show our support."

"It was a great pleasure having Mark Richardson, who proudly took the Olympic Silver Medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, attend the evening."

He added: "A huge congratulations to all of the winners on the evening and to all those who were nominated, long may their effort and contribution continue."

"The support from all the organisations and sponsors involved resulted in yet another fantastic evening, with the awards going from strength to strength every year."

A full house saw Junior Team of the Year awarded to Aston Comprehensive's Under-16 girls rounders team, who brought glory to the borough after being crowned national champions earlier this year.

The overall Club of the Year prize went to Rotherham Harriers & Athletics Club, for continuing to provide the opportunity for athletes to train, improve and compete in South Yorkshire, Yorkshire, national and international levels.

The club has also hosted and organised the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships, the Rotherham Schools Cross Country Championships and the Rotherham Hospice Fun Run.

Gregg Pearson from Anston Cricket Club was awarded the Fair Play trophy for taking on the volunteer role of child welfare officer and attending all key training.