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Sports-mad couple win 'dream' honour

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They have spent the past 26 years transforming the sports facilities in their village.

Now, Sue and Jim Houghton, of Desford, have been recognised for their hard work and dedication.

They received the Unsung Hero award at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in London

The couple launched their Sport in Desford committee in 1986 after a group of villagers appealed to the parish council for help in creating better sports facilities.

Thanks to the support of other volunteers and about £1 million in grants, the facilities now include a bowling green, sports halls, squash courts, tennis courts, a Scout headquarters, football pitches and changing rooms on two sites in the village.

The space is used by a variety clubs and groups in Desford and their two-storey clubhouse building is also a party venue with four staff members.

The couple were presented with their award by ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba – who was forced to retire after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch – and were interviewed by BBC presenter Sue Barker.

Jim said: "It's just tremendous. This award is for all the dozens of coaches and many volunteers at Sport in Desford – the people who make it possible."

Sue put their success down to always demanding more, quoting George Bernard Shaw to the audience and television viewers.

She said: "George Bernard Shaw said that the reasonable adapt themselves to the ways of the world, the unreasonable persist in adapting the world to themselves, so all progress is made by the unreasonable.

"Be unreasonable, dream huge dreams and with a good team around you it's amazing what you can achieve."

The couple went forward for the main honour after winning the BBC East Midlands award.

They were nominated by Graeme Chilvers, health and recreation manager at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

He said: "Jim and Sue have an amazing ability to inspire and support other people to be healthy and give something back to the community with no thought for getting recognition themselves.

"They have changed lives, the community and inspired thousands of individuals to participate in sport."

Ruth Camamile, a parish, borough and county councillor for Desford, said: "It's brilliant that they received the award. They've masterminded Sport in Desford from the very beginning."

Clubhouse manager David Bielby said: "It's fantastic and very well deserved.

"When they started Desford just had a couple of old football pitches with a wooden changing block that was falling apart."

Sports-mad couple win 'dream' honour


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