BLITZ AWARDS 2006

The Inverness Blitz Academy of American Football held their 5th annual Awards ceremony on Sunday the 29th October.

Over 300 guest and players were in attendance for the biggest and best awards ceremony in the Highlands.

The opening ceremony included the Blitz running man dropping from the video screen to appear live on stage and also amazingly appearing at the back of the theatre then returning to the stage avoiding pyro technics which gripped the audience from the start right up until the grand finale.

The audience were treated a magnificent collection of action packed videos from this seasons award nominees and winners.

The Inverness Blitz would like to thank all of the presenters who did an excellent job they included – Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland who commented about the Blitz Awards

"I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that in my 25 years of being involved in sport I have never seen anything better than this."; Dougie MacDonald, senior lecturer at Inverness College; Denis Bell, Chairman of the Inverness Area Sports Council; Kirsten Grant, Active Schools Co-ordinator; James Martin, General Manager, Inverness Leisure; Robin Tatler, Fundraising manager for ProjectScotland; Suzy Hamilton, Active schools Co-ordinator (Inverness Royal Academy cluster); Dagmar Borrowman, Sport Development Officer for Volunteering Highland; Helen Maclean, Youth Development Officer for Volunteering Highland; Alan Hoseason, Coaching Development Officer for Coaching Highland; Phil Swainson, Highland Council Representative; Mark Bramwell, Flag Officer for the British American Football Coaches Association; Andy Kelly, Facilities Development at sportscotland; Callum Mackintosh, Assistant Rector at Culloden Academy; Phil Brookes, Director of LifeScan.

Phil Brookes, who presented the Blitz Achievement Award commented,

"I’m very proud to be able to present this award today, LifeScan is very committed to the promotion of good health and well being, both of its employees and of the communities in which we operate."

" I`m delighted that our recent donation to the Inverness Blitz, attracted match funding from SPORTSMATCH and has enabled the organisation to appoint a development officer. Keeping our young people fit is one of the key ingredients in a healthy lifestyle".

Organiser and host of the BLITZ AWARDS, Robbie Paulin, said "The BLITZ AWARDS are getting bigger each year and this year attracted the attention of the First Minister Jack McConnell who wrote a letter of support."

Jack McConnell wrote, "The friendships that are made through sport can span the generations and last a lifetime and I am delighted that you are working in partnership with ProjectScotland." he continued to say ‘I wish the Inverness Blitz Academy of American Football every success.’

The award winners were:

Cadet Rockets MVP – Michael Daltrey.

Cadet Gladiators MVP – Daniel Woodley.

Junior Gladiators MVP – Neil Porter.

Cadet Buccaneers MVP – Owen Moir.

Junior Rockets MVP – Marc Prasher.

Youth Rockets MVP – Angus MacKintosh.

Highland Wildcats MVP – Angus MacKintosh.

Funniest Moment – Craig Stewart.

Pee Wee Cheerleader – Lynne Macleod.

Junior Cheerleader – Claire Mackenzie.

Most improved player – Lewis MacDonald.

Best athlete – David Bull.

Scott Couper award – Darren MacDonald.

Rookie of the season – Andrew Munro.

Best front liner – Thomas Grant.

Best Leader – Kenny Mackaay.

Hardest Hitter – Matts Kraft.

Blitz Achievment Award – Callum Hickie.

The Inverness Blitz would like to thank everyone who made the day a great success. And also all the staff at Culloden Academy for all their help and support through out the project.