Beijing Olympic medal winners and London 2012 hopefuls were among the sporting stars recognised at an awards ceremony last week.

Larry Achike, Olympic triple jumper and Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers team member, presented trophies during the Barnet Celebrating Sports Awards at North London Business Park, last Wednesday.

Sportspeople of all ages and abilities were celebrated for their successes in a variety of events and disciplines.

Former Queen Elizabeth’s School pupil and Paralympic rower, Tom Aggar, 24, won Sporting Achievement of the Year for his gold medal performance in the single sculls in Beijing.

Horse rider Michael Murphy, of Tretawn Gardens, Mill Hill, was awarded Young Disabled Sports Performer of the Year and hopes to compete in the dressage events in future Paralympics.

The 11-year-old, who suffers from the neurological Dejerine-Sottas disease, said: “I was really amazed and I was so happy that I won. I wasn’t expecting it.

“I really enjoy horse riding and I love competing. The disease is around my spine area, and my muscles are quite weak, so riding strengthens up my muscles and stops my back curving.

“I want to get to the world championships in 2010 and hopefully go to the Olympics in 2012. If I get there, I will try my hardest to win.”

Prizes were awarded in 15 categories, including individual sports performers, teams, coaches and volunteers.

Charlotte Wingfield, 13, from Barnet, won Young Sports Performer of the Year after topping the UK rankings in long jump, 100 metres and 200 metres.

The Sports Performer of the Year award went to 24-year-old Alison Waters, who is the British National Women’s Squash Champion, and has previously competed for Barnet in the London Youth Games.

“I was delighted to win the award and it is also great for squash to be recognised in this way,” said Waters, who has reached world number six.

“Everyone involved in squash is working hard to get the sport into the Olympics in 2016.

“It would be fantastic if we got in as it would be the highlight of any squash player’s career to compete at the Olympics.”

Foulds Primary School and Christ Church C of E School, both in Byng Road, Barnet, jointly took the Primary School Team of the Year prize for their combined efforts in putting together a dance routine that secured them first place in the Junior London Rock Challenge.

The Secondary School Team of the Year award went to the indoor rowing team from Hendon School, Golders Rise.

The Volunteer of the Year honour was shared by Vickie Prow and Lindsey Dack who formed a committee to help keep Southgate Squash Club open.

Ms Prow, who contributes about 20 hours a week to the club, said: “We run a number of community initiatives which have increased membership and helped bring in extra funds to enable us to carry on.

“I was quite embarrassed when we won the award. We do it because we want to, not for the recognition.”

Other winners included Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers as Club of the Year, 17-year-old Kem Onubogu, from North Finchley, as Young Volunteer of the Year, and powerchair football coach Danny Jarvis, from Mill Hill, as Disability Coach of the Year.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, cabinet member for policy and performance, said: “All the winners and nominees should feel justly proud of their sporting achievements.

“I think it is incredibly motivating for athletes, coaches and volunteers to see their achievements recognised at such a prestigious event.”