Oliver Everest is The Argus Upcoming Athlete of the Year.

The judo ace received his trophy from Karen Pickering, the former Olympic and world championship swimmer, at the Sussex Sports Awards presentation evening at Hickstead.

Oliver, 15, clinched the prize after winning a gold medal at the Special Olympic Games in Shanghai in September.

He pipped Crawley swimmer Adam Harrington, the British junior record holder, who was highly commended.

World junior cycling champion Peter Mitchell (Steyning) and international sailor Alex Mills-Barton (Newhaven) were commended.

Oliver said: "I didn't believe I would get it and was amazed when Karen read my name out. It is very special, just like winning the gold medal. I'm pleased for myself and my family."

Oliver, a Westerleigh (Hastings) club member, was introduced to the sport by his foster mother Janet five years ago.

He said: "I thought I'd just be training but I worked hard and started to compete. I love it."

Oliver, a pupil at Linfield (Eastbourne), is blind in one eye and suffers from autism.

Janet said: "We are so proud of him.

He deserves the recognition for what he has put into his sport."

His coach Paul Everest, Janet's son, picked up the Coach of the Year.

Westerleigh were also highly commended in the Club of the Year award.

Olympic gold medallist Robin Cousins, former international athlete David Bedford and England cricketer Rosalie Birch helped hand out awards. Mike Read, DJ, tennis fan and Sussex resident, was MC.

And the winners are:

USL Audio Coach of the Year: Paul Everest (Westerleigh Judokwai, Hastings). Highly commended: Sharon Blackman (Chichester Fencing Club). Commended: Nikki Richardson.


University of Brighton Young Coach of the Year: Gavin Broomfield (Active Hastings). HC: Jodie Saxby (Summerfields Gymnastics Club, Hastings). C: Leon Hayes (Seagulls Specials football, Brighton and Hove).


BAA Gatwick Volunteer of the Year: Anne Baverstock (Brighton Cougars Basketballl Club). HC: Nick Chambers (Horsham and Arun Badminton Club). C: Mandy Collison (Worthing and District Harriers).


BAA Gatwick Young Volunteer of the Year: Martin Forsdyke (Seagulls Specials). HC: Daniel Gerrey (VC Jubilee Cycling Club, Brighton). C: Richard Cooling (Moving Barriers Disability Sport Programme, Brighton).


Rix and Kay Club of the Year: Brighton Cougars Basketball. HC: Westerleigh Judo. C: Seagulls Specials.


Youth Sport Trust School Sports Co-ordinator of the Year: Darren Hambrook (Patcham High). HC: Max Cobbald (Heathfield Community Centre, Weladen). C: Sandy Fell (Littlehampton Community School, Arun).


Sport England Sports Development Professional of the Year: Keith Duly (Sports development manager, Hastings). HC: Kate Wilson (Active Crawley manager). C: Bob Lake (PE and Sports Development Service manager, East Sussex).


Showtec Sports Innovation of the Year: Football 4 Peace Project (University of Brighton, Chelsea School, Eastbourne). HC: Active Hastings Team. C: The Flying Coaches Scheme (Horsham).


Mercedes-Benz Outstanding Contribution to Sport - Sussex' Unsung Hero: Peter Perrett (Crowborough and District Junior Football club, Wealden). HC: Trevor Carney (football, Brighton). C: Alan Hemblade (CD Phoenix Netball Club, Mid Sussex).