Awards night recognises achievement and commitment

Gymnasts, coaches, volunteers and officials from the gymnastics community in Kent have had their achievements, efforts and commitment rewarded at a special awards ceremony.

Kent Gymnastics Association held its first Gala Awards night at the Ashford International Hotel recently where all those nominated in nine different categories were invited.

There are around 50 gymnastics clubs affiliated to Kent Gymnastics Association, which cover a range of disciplines including trampolining, rhythmic gymnastics and cheerleading which became part of the sport two years ago and keeps on growing in popularity.

They range from small recreational clubs that run from school halls several hours a week, to large clubs with hundreds of members and impressive facilities that are due to be used by Olympic teams to train in prior to the 2012 games in London.

All of the clubs, whatever their size, play an important role in catering for the 1,000 + people of all ages in Kent who regularly take part in gymnastics and trampolining every week.

That requires a great deal of commitment from a dedicated army of volunteers who give up their own time to coach, run clubs, do admin, judge at competitions, organise fundraising and everything else needed to keep the sport going.

The Awards ceremony was designed to recognise those who go the extra mile as Regional Development Officer Lynn Potter, from British Gymnastics, explains: "Gymnastics and Trampolining are in a very healthy state in Kent. We have a very large number of clubs, meaning just about every district has a good range of facilities. A number of Kent gymnasts have done exceptionally well and perform at national level and it's important that their achievements are recognised.

"There are also so many unsung heroes in the sport, running the clubs, organising competitions and keeping it going. The Awards Ceremony is about recognising some of those people as well." She added.

Photos from the night can be viewed from the following website:
http://www.kevindharvey.com/gallery_343179.html

The awards:

Gymnast of the Year

Awarded to a gymnast who has achieved outstanding success in their discipline throughout the year and has represented their club at county, regional, national or international level.

Winners:
Rhys Gray- Jumpers TC - Trampoline
James Hall - Pegasus GC - Men's Artistic Gymnastics
Lucy Merritt, Katy Morris, Ashleigh Heath - Deal GC - Acrobatic Gymnastics Trio
Courtney Tulloch - Pegasus GC - Men's Artistic Gymnastics
Milli Wilson - The Meapa GC - Women's Artistic Gymnastics

Coach Development Award

Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution & has been willing to take a lead role in the process of the development of coaches.

Winner:
Lacra & Ovidiu Rugina - Pegasus GC

Nominated:
Jane Hyams - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Sharon Lee - City of Canterbury Rhythmic GC

Judge Development Award

Awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to judging and development.

Winner:
Mike Phillipson - Dover TC

Nominated:
Jennie Trandaburu - Pegasus GC
Jane Hyams - Sittingbourne Swifts GC

Club Volunteer of Year Award

Awarded to a volunteer whose contribution to their club is invaluable.
(Including Fundraisers, Committee Members, Officials, Secretaries, Event Organisers etc)

Winners
Stella Millen - Aire TC
Karen McMorrow - Pegasus GC
Jaroslaw Wrubel - The Meapa GC
Gary Wyver - Canterbury Rhythmic GC

Nominated:
Bridie Burchell - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Helen Cooper - Pegasus GC
Tony Hall - Pegasus GC
Julie MacMaster- Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Laura Major - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Jackie Miles - Jumpers TC
Caroline Taylor - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Andrea Wroe - Pegasus GC

Young Volunteers of the Year Award (14 - 18yrs)

Awarded to a young person who has volunteered their time and expertise to help others enjoy the sport. This may be by way of coaching, judging, officiating, events, leadership or administration.

Winners:
Kathleen Boakes - Pegasus GC
Laura Fowler - Pegasus GC
Lewis Johns - Aire TC
Oliver Reis - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Robyn Shears - Jumpers TC
Becki Skelton - Dover GC
Frances Wood - Deal GC

 

Service to Gymnastics

Awarded to a person who has made a positive contribution to gymnastics for over 10 years through their work on behalf of the County or their Club as an officer, committee member, course tutor, coach or judge.

Winner:
Ionut Trandaburu - Pegasus GC

Nominated:
Averil Martin - Jumpers TC

 

Long Service Award

In recognition of the positive contribution made to the development of the sport over many years.

Winners:
John and Brenda Austin - The Meapa GC
Peter Griffin - Pegasus GC
Linda Packman - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Greg Thompson - Jumpers TC
Nemesia Willis & Yaina Denchfield - Greenhill GC

Special Recognition Award

Awarded to a person who has achieved outstanding success in the development or participation of gymnastics throughout the years and has promoted the sport and KGA.

Winners:
Jane Hyams - Sittingbourne Swifts GC
Fef Griffin - Pegasus GC
Lauren Lethbridge - The Meapa GC
Alison Martin - Dover GC
Lynn Potter - RDO

Club Of The Year Award  

Recognising the contribution the club has made in the development of gymnastics. This could reflect in its contribution to the community as well as promoting the aims of sport at all levels of participation.

Winner:
Canterbury GC

Nominated:
JumpersTC


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

Page created: 6 July 2010