On Saturday 17th October, the Triathlon England South East Awards and AGM took place. You can learn a little more about our winners below.
Saturday 17th October saw the Triathlon England South East (TESE) 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and regional awards prize giving. After the formal business of the AGM and a few loaded plates from the buffet, the evening moved on to the TESE awards. With a total of 36 nominations spread over 9 categories, the South East region received the most nominations of any Triathlon England region and this was fully celebrated as the awards were handed out.
The winners of each category were:
Club of the Year – Brighton Tri Club
With praise focusing on their extensive coaching structure and inclusiveness to all abilities of athlete, the ethos surrounding the club has won many members and respect in the wider triathlon community. With both an adult and youth section, Brighton Tri Club is still growing and holds internal sportives to help younger athletes develop as well as a full GO TRI calendar through the summer.
Coach of the Year – Liz King
The nomination feedback for Liz was strong. Her never ending enthusiasm and welcoming nature was highlighted by multiple nominees as well as having an excellent knowledge base over all three disciplines which she coaches.
Youth Coach of the Year – Nicky McCulloch
Nicky received praise for coaching a large number of children week in, week out as well as receiving praise for her coaching knowledge as a British Triathlon Federation (BTF) coach of five years. In addition, she’s always fully supportive of the development of other coaches.
Official of the Year – Anthony Shaw
If you don’t know his name you will be likely to know his face as Anthony is a familiar to many in the region with him overseeing the safe and successful running of thousands of athletes each season
Commended for his commitment and for representing fair play, he has supported a large number of junior events. Antony is the epitome of a fantastic South East official.
Volunteer of the Year – Paul Hedger
For 2015, Paul has added a Regional Technical Official qualification to his mountain of events experience. Applauded for his efforts in developing the junior triathlon scene in the South East, Paul has over 20 years of volunteering experience. The region needs more people like him!
Young Volunteer of the Year – Grace Birkens
Grace had only just turned 17 when she received her Level 1 British Triathlon Federation coaching award. Since then she has dedicated many an evening & weekend to developing athletes within Horsham Tri Club. She very quickly became a well-respected coach, passing on experience & knowledge to a range of athletes of all ages with confidence & professionalism. Commended for having the passion to open up the sport to less popular age groups, Grace is an outstanding role model to all ages.
Children’s Event of the Year - Ringmer Kids' Triathlon
Ringmer Kids’ Triathlon has won the awards first time around and received comments emphasising how well run the event was as well as providing highlighting the opportunities the event raises for junior triathletes to compete in a safe, as well as fun racing environment.
Club Event of the Year – Ocean Lake Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon Super Series 2015
Highlighted as an event that is renowned for welcoming novices in the multisport fold, the 2015 series saw multiple sell out races. The fact that multiple clubs from the SE region use this as part of their club championships year after year is testament to the success of the event.
Commercial Event of the Year – Owler Tri
This is an inclusive event, offering a range of distances There was a huge buzz on social media following this event, with positive feedback and thanks. Praise was received for the multiple and fully staffed aid stations out on the course. The finish line at the event was particularly well received as it was a lap around an athletic track with an 800 seat grandstand finish for supporters to cheer athletes over the finish line.
Special Recognition Award - Medway Tri
This is a new award introduced to recognise the efforts and organisation put in by Medway Tri to organise the successful IRD2 event at Cyclopark this summer.
A huge congratualtions to all the winners, who are now shortlisted for the Triathlon England Awards that take place at Chessington World of Adventures Resort on Saturday 14th November at 4.30pm.
