In an evening aimed at celebrating Britain at its best, the Coaches, Volunteers and Officials central to the sport have been recognised by the Leigh Day & Co Workforce Awards at the Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday 12 November 2011.
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Official of the Year award went to Jonathan Davies.
Jonathan is a key member of triathlon club Born2tri having been one of its founder members and most enthusiastic volunteers. He has developed his volunteering by being trained as a race official and in two years has reached level 2 and taken on the role of regional co-ordinator.
When asked how he felt when receiving his award he commented: “It’s an honour, absolute privilege and totally amazed to win, I didn’t even know I had been nominated. I have been a triathlete for 20 years and I just like putting something back into the sport and seeing people enjoy it.”
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Volunteer of the Year award went to Laura Addis. Laura joined Windrush Triathlon Club in 2010, and has since taken on the role of Chairperson enabling the club to overcome financial challenges, thanks to her ideas and energy.
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Young Volunteer of the Year award went to Joe Kidson. Joe has been actively supporting Crystal Palace Triathletes Club, assisting with junior sessions, officiating at events and supporting the club committee.
Donnah Thompson won the Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Children’s Coach of the Year. Donnah has worked with the junior section of Lincoln Triathlon Club for the last three years. She has delivered coaching sessions that not only provide juniors with the relevant skills, but also delivers sessions, which are fun and engaging for those that take part.
Donnah commented on her main reason for supporting her club: “Some children are born athletes and excel, but the ones for me are the ones that are not natural athletes and its working with them, encouraging them to get involved and not stop, making session’s fun.”
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Performance Development Coach of the Year award went to Steve Lloyd. Steve is a Level 3 Performance coach and has established the Absolute Triathlon Club in Nottingham, hosting regular coaching sessions and regularly supporting his fellow coaches to develop their skills and abilities.
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Young Coach of the Year award went to Dechlan Wilson of Edinburgh University Triathlon Club. Declan added: “It’s quite amazing actually. It’s a big night so I was quite happy to come down. To get nominated is quite an honour anyway, never mind to win it.”
The Leigh Day & Co. British Triathlon Participation Coach of the Year award went to Helen MacVicker from West Yorkshire who commented: “I am passionate about the sport, and for me the real passion in coaching is seeing youngsters develop. I coach the youth section of Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club and seeing those youngsters not only as athletes, but as young individuals as well is just so motivating and keeps me coming back every Saturday.”
