Athletics club celebrates year's Island successes with awards night
THE Isle of Wight Athletics Club (IWAC) celebrated its most successful season in many years.
At the club's recent annual awards night, athletes and volunteers were recognised for their achievements at the Riverside Centre in Newport.
Club chairman, Nick Groocock, led the presentation, with medals awarded by Island councillor Karl Love, Sam Woodman and Martin Gulliver.
The club's success in the Wessex League was highlighted, with all athletes, from the U11s to those up to the age of 19, received commemorative medals.
Ray Scovell Rising Star Award winner Amelia Riggs and Isle of Wight Council chair, Cllr Karl Love. (Image: IWAC) Members who represented the club in the Wessex Cross Country League were also awarded medals.
A touching moment of the night was the farewell to Paul Simpson, the club's endurance coach, who is leaving after putting in many years of service.
He was honoured with a special award and gift from his previous group.
The athletes are now focused on the first Wessex League track and field match on April 13.
The night also acknowledged athletes set to compete in this summer's Island Games, including Skyler Brown in the shot put, Sophie McCallum in the 100m, Jacob Patey in both the 110m and 400m hurdles, and Archie Pearson in the 1500m.
Emily Fry received a special mention for her performance at the European Masters Championships last September, where she placed sixth in the long jump.
Derek Frost Trophy winner Jack Lloyd with IW Council chair, Cllr Karl Love. (Image: IWAC) She is also the British champion in the 60m indoors and long jump.
The club celebrated discus ace Nick Percy's appearance at the Paris Olympics last summer, where he became the first male member of the club to represent Great Britain at the prestigious event.
"The club is looking forward to another successful season," said Nick Groocock.
It is currently seeking additional volunteers and new team managers for the coming season.
Those interested in volunteering can contact iowathleticclub@gmail.com
A report will appear in this coming Friday's County Press.
AWARD WINNERS
Wessex League Manager's Award — Szymon Paraszewski and Alesia Riga; Quadkids Manager Award — Amelia Riggs, Sienna Katirawa and Alex Reese; Cross Country Manager's Award — Theo Foster; Ray Scovell Rising Star Award — Amelia Riggs; junior sprinter of the year — Ruby Sergent; junior endurance of the year — Seb Foster; junior middle distance — Ollie Donovan; junior thrower — Noah Cherry; junior jumper — Kinsley Hang; senior sprinter — Sophie McCallum; senior middle distance — Maisey Kent; senior endurance — Archie Pearson; senior jumper — Isaac Phillimore; Masters Athlete of the Year — Garry Newton; Spirit of the Club Award — Janice Bartlett (coach); Derek Frost Trophy — Jack Lloyd; Pascha Burgoyne Young Sprinter Award — Remy Deegan; Rose Scovell Volunteer Award — Kirsty Wallace; Female Athlete of the Year — Skyler Brown; Senior Thrower of the Year — Skyler Brown; Male Athlete of the Year — Jacob Patey; outstanding achievement (female) — Emily Fry; outstanding achievement (male) — Nick Percy.
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