With some of the Isle of Wight’s Olympians watching on, the Island paid tribute to its sporting heroes last Thursday night.
The 50th Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards, sponsored by WRS Systems, at Newport’s Medina Theatre, saw sports people, and those who support them, honoured for their excellence.
From a 13 year old archery protege to a woman who has dedicated more than 45 years to equestrian sport on the Island, a wide range of talent was honoured in front of a packed crowd of more than 400.
Service to sports
Rosemary Edwards, who has just celebrated 45 years volunteering with the Isle of Wight Mountain and Moorland Society, collected the Lifetime Achievement Award.
While Neil Lacey, whose son Zac picked up the disability seniors ward, was honoured with the Service to Sport Prize for his work with the national Down Syndrome swimming organisation.
Sporting youth
At the other end of the age range, 13-year-old Summer Chambers was named top junior girl after qualifying for the national age group archery academy, and sailor Rafe Bradley, 14, won the international junior award after becoming world champion in the RS Tera class.
Transatlantic voyages
Two awards were given out to rowers (Simon Howes and the Mermaid Atlantic Team) who had completed Transatlantic voyages under their own steam.
25 awards
In all, 25 awards were given out at the 50th awards, with guests including the IW Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, High Sheriff Graham Biss, and Island MPs Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson.
A special section to mark the 50th anniversary of the awards, honoured the people who have represented the Isle of Wight at the Olympics and Paralympics, from gold medal rower Louis Attrill, who was present on the night, to Shirley Robertson, a past presenter of the awards and double gold medallist.
A short film was shown featuring a selection of the Island’s Olympians.
Beasley: The Island should be proud of the people we have recognised
Claire Beasley, chair of the IW Sports Foundations, which runs the awards, said,
“The sheer quality, dedication and perseverance shown by our athletes and volunteers never ceases to amaze me.
“It has been an honour to organise these awards this year and the Island should be proud of the people we have recognised.”
Biss: Thank you for your dedication and for inspiring us all
In his closing remarks, Graham Biss said,
“Your passion, commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence are what drive our sporting community forward.
“To all of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials, thank you for your dedication and for inspiring us all.
“A huge thank you once again to our main sponsor, WRS Systems, and to all of our incredible sponsors who make these awards possible. Your support enables us to honour and celebrate these outstanding achievements year after year.”
List of winners
- Junior boys – Harry Everard (cricket) and Raymond Groves (basketball).
- Junior girls – Summer Chambers (archery)
- Intermediate boys – James Carlin (rugby)
- Intermediate girls – Skye Priede (swimming and water polo)
- Junior International – Rafe Bradley (sailing)
- Intermediate International – Arthur Farley (sailing)
- Senior men – Nick Percy (athletics)
- Senior women (Emily Fry (athletics)
- Masters men – Matthew Sussmes (swimming)
- Disability seniors, men – Zac Lacey (swimming)
- Disability seniors, women – Annie Caddick (rowing)
- Primary schools – Godshill Primary, with special award to Niton Primary.
- Secondary schools – Cowes Enterprise College
- Junior Team – Shalfleet Primary School under 9s (cricket)
- Intermediate team – Ryde School Match Racing Team (sailing)
- Senior Team – Mermaid Atlantic Team (rowing)
- Coach – Harrison Booth (rugby)
- Club official – Trevor George (netball)
- Outstanding commitment – Jess Cutler (football)
- Special Award – Simon Howes (rowing)
- Volunteer – joint award to Colin Bond (rugby) and Trev Lacey (football)
- Making a Difference – Garry Gee (mental health in football)
- Community Award – Aaron McGrath (running)
- Lifetime achievement – Rosemary Edwards (equestrian sport)
- Service to Sport – Neil Lacey (disability swimming)
News shared by Alan on behalf of the Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards. Ed
