The Hartlepool Sports Awards winners 2025 as cycling visionary Adam Brooks named Hartlepool Sports Personality of the Year

Carl Jorgeson
Nov 14
3 min read

During a special night celebrating local talent and dedication, Adam Brooks of Manilla Cycling was officially crowned the Hartlepool Sports Personality of the Year at the prestigious Gus Robinson Hartlepool Sport Awards 2025.

Brooks, known for his instrumental development work in local cycling, claimed the top honour, following in the footsteps of an illustrious list of winners that includes world boxing champion Savannah Marshall and last year’s winner, super-fit teenager Lewin Tubuna.

Brooks won the award over fellow nominees Kobi Kung of Hartlepool Wadokai and Grant Mallabar, who was recognised for his success with the Hartlepool Monkeys blind baseball team.

Brooks' win capped off an already remarkable period of achievement, arriving just a week after he secured the Volunteer Coach of the Year at the 2025 British Cycling Awards.

He also runs the North-East Cycling Academy and founded Manilla Cycling Club, while committing countless hours to developing the sport across the North-East, notably helping to rebuild key facilities such as the Summerhill Cycle Circuit in Hartlepool and the Middlesbrough Velodrome.

Brooks, who has a book coming out before Christmas on how to teach children to ride a bike, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised. Predominantly this award is normally for athletes, so to have been recognised for the work I have done development wise is fantastic.

“It has been a great week after winning the national coach of the year award for British Cycling as well, so to have been recognised in my hometown with this award is the icing on the cake.

“It is fantastic to have my name on the trophy alongside some great Hartlepool sports personalities from the past.”

The Gus Robinson Hartlepool Sport Awards ceremony was held at Hartlepool College of Further Education and hosted by Gary Riches, vice principal of the College.

The event was brought to the community by Hartlepool Sports Council, the Gus Robinson Foundation, Hartlepool Opportunities Partnership, Hartlepool Borough Council, The PFC Trust, Hartlepool Wadokai and Hartlepool College, with additional support from the Hartlepool Youth Advisory Board.

The evening was a comprehensive celebration of local sporting excellence across all levels.

Carl Jorgeson, CEO of Hartlepool Sport, said: "The Gus Robinson Hartlepool Sport Awards night at Hartlepool College was absolutely fantastic.

“It was a privilege to celebrate the immense talent and commitment across our town. Congratulations not only to all the well-deserved winners but also to every single shortlisted nominee who continues to inspire the future of Hartlepool sport.

"This year's winner of the Keith Hewitson Volunteer of the Year Award wanted to remain anonymous, which the Sports Council felt was telling of how selfless the recipient is."

Rising stars were recognised, including Joe Jorgeson of Hartlepool Wadokai, who won Primary School Sports Person of the Year, and Emily Sirs from Hartlepool Cricket Club, who claimed the Secondary School Sports Person of the Year award.

Emily Kilburn (Huskies Basketball) was honoured as the Young Volunteer of the Year, while the Coach of the Year title went to Lucinda Stott from the Mavericks.

Team success was highlighted by the Hartlepool Cricket Under-13s securing the Outstanding Team of the Year award, and the Hartlepool Rugby Club was named Outstanding Club of the Year.

The night also included acknowledgement of the anonymous winner of Keith Hewitson’s Volunteer of the Year Award, and a Special Recognition Award for Services to Sport was fittingly given to Dave Kilner.

AWARD WINNERS:

Sports Personality of the Year: Adam Brooks (Manilla Cycling)

Primary School Sports Person of the Year: Joe Jorgeson (Hartlepool Wadokai)

Secondary School Sports Person of the Year: Emily Sirs (Hartlepool Cricket Club)

Young Volunteer of the Year: Emily Kilburn (Huskies Basketball)

Coach of the Year: Lucinda Stott (Mavericks)

Outstanding Team of the Year: Hartlepool Cricket Under-13s

Outstanding Club of the Year: Hartlepool Rugby Club

Special Recognition Award for Services to Sport: Dave Kilner

Keith Hewitson's Volunteer of the Year Award: Anonymous

SPONSORS:

Hartlepool Borough Council