OVER the next few days we will be publishing our interviews with the winners at this year's Pride of St Helens Awards.
We have a 16-page supplement of the awards night complete with all images and the interviews for sale in shops across St Helens inside this week's St Helens Star, all costing just 80p.
The second award interview we are publishing is that of Dagmaara Smith, wife of Michael Smith, who collected the main award of the night - The Pride of St Helens Award - on his behalf with sons Michael Jnr and Kasper.
AFTER his incredible performance to reach the summit of the darts world, judges named Michael Smith as the Pride of St Helens 2023.
The St Helens darts star was crowned champion of the world in January for the first time, as he beat Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in an epic final at the Alexandra Palace in London.
As he did so, he was cheered on by thousands back in St Helens who are thoroughly proud of their champion.
Michael could not be at the ceremony on the night because he was competing at a tournament, but he was represented by wife Dagmara and sons Michael Jnr and Kasper, who collected the trophy on his behalf.
He also shared a video message, which showed him being presented with the trophy by Stuart Pyke, the Sky Sports commentator from St Helens.
Stuart said “as a proud Sintelliner” himself he was delighted to hand over the award to a “supreme talent”.
Smith said: “Just being recognised for what I’ve done and how hard I’ve tried over the years, is great.
“I’m world champion and still world no 1 so it keeps it going and keeps that pride in St Helens.
“Yes, I’ve won the worlds and stuff but that was more as my job, knowing that people back home support me is nice to see.”
The champion admitted that currently his game could be in a better place, but added he as confident of finding his “A-game” when he begins the defence of his title at the Alexandra Palace in December.
On stage, Michael’s two boys wore beaming smiles as they collected the prize on their dad’s behalf.
The pair were a little lost for words when host Claire Simmo asked them a couple of questions, but mum Dagmara underlined that it was the recognition from Michael’s hometown that meant the world to him.
Judges felt the magnitude of the stunning world final victory, which included Michael hitting a perfect nine dart leg in the final, meant it was an achievement deserving of the Pride of St Helens honour.
They also reflected on the endeavour he has shown to reach the top and his ability to fight through adversity by overcoming previous final heartbreaks.
Highly commended in this category were St Helens Theatre Royal, for their outstanding contribution to the local entertainment scene and Over the Rainbow, a social and support group for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here