MENTION the Blackburn and Darwen Sports Council and most people automatically think of their annual awards evening.

But to those involved, the awards – no matter how important they are considered – are just the tip of the iceberg. The icing on the cake.

While the sports council’s flagship event is the highlight of the sporting calendar – awarding and highlighting the hard work and achievements of the sporting community across the borough – scratch below the surface and there is so much more to see.

For it is the work the sports council does behind the scenes by its hard-working committed – all of whom give their time up for free – is what really counts.

It is fast approaching its 50th anniversary and since its formation in 1966 it has helped, supported and funded hundreds of sporting causes.

Individuals, clubs, leagues and organisations have all benefited - while the council also sponsors a number of competitions and other incentives.

“There is an awful lot of work we do that people simply aren’t aware of,” said vice chairman John Flannery. “The sport awards is our main event of the year and I suppose that is the one thing people know about.

“But there is a lot more the the sports council than just the awards, it is case of letting people know what we do and how we can help.”

Those who have received grants over the years certainly know all about the good the sports council does. Help has come in various formats whether it is for those individuals who have gone on to bigger and better things to clubs requiring a grant for new equipment.

But it doesn’t matter if those applying for funds have the world at their feet or their club or team close to their heart.

Whether its a bobsleigh champion are someone just wanting to make a brew, each application gets the same attention.

“I remember when Paula Walker came to see us asking for funding,” said treasurer June Steele. “Until she came in to see us, I didn’t even know we had someone from Blackburn competing in bobsleigh.”

Walker has since gone on to represented Great Britain in two Winter Olympics and was crowned World Junior Bobsleigh champion.

The Sports Council played their little part.

On the flip side, an appeal for a new kettle was just as important – it’s not all about the super stars.

“We had one application from a bowling club who wanted to but a new kettle so they could brew up for their bowlers. We take each application on its merit. A new kettle for a bowling club met as much as helping a future Olympian with their travel costs.”

The sports council has the benefit of calling on the expertise and experience of a dedicated executive committee. Between them, they have clocked up more years in sport than they would care to imagine.

Flannery and John Barlow from bowls, Paul Guppy from ice skating, John Ashcroft from sailing, Lionel Cooke from football and cricket and chairman Chris Todd from gymnastics all have the vast experience to call on.

Jill Ashcroft, sports development officer from Blackburn with Darwen Council, is also a regular to pass on her expertise.

But no-one knows more about the Sports Council that June Steele who was there at the very first meeting in 1966 and has been with it ever since.

“A lot has changed over the years,” she said. “We used to meet in council chambers and the Mayor used to come.

“But we are still working hard for local sport in the borough. We want more people to know what we are doing and want more sports represented at our meetings.”

The next Blackburn and Sports Council meeting will take place at Audley Sports Centre on November 11 (7.30pm).

Contact Chris Todd on 01200 440733.