The first Runnymede Civic awards was held on the 22nd February, where Runnymede Borough council celebrated some of the most talented, determined and extraordinary individuals and groups in Runnymede. We are proud to share the news that Addlestone Canoe Club (ACC) were honoured to receive two winner’s trophies and a highly commended certificate for the work and achievements of our members & coaches.
The first Award of the evening was for Young Sportsperson of the year, which was won by Addlestone racing team member Emily. We are so proud of Emily and the work she has put into developing herself in the sport since she came to her very first try-it day at Addlestone 7 years ago. Emily is a committed junior member of ACC and trains 5-6 times a week all year round. During 2022 she won a medal at the National Championships Sprint events in Nottingham and was selected to represent Great Britain at the Brandenburg International Regatta in Germany. She is also the youngest GB athlete to be selected to participate in the Olympic Hopes regatta. Emily also volunteers at the club in coaching our younger juniors.
Another proud moment came when ACC Head Coach Neil was highly commended in the category of ‘Coach of the year’. Neil took over as Head Coach at Addlestone Canoe Club during the pandemic and has since set a new standard when it comes to organising the training and development of coaches which has been a massive benefit to the club and its members.
Our final prize of the evening went to ACC (Chairperson) Carol and (Coach) Nick, who were presented with the winner’s award in the category ‘Changing peoples lives’. We originally nominated ACC for Club of the Year, however the judges decided that although a worthy contender in that category, Nick & Carol were genuinely changing lives and should be recognised as such. In addition to the wonderful achievements that they have accomplished with the club they also undertake many canal clean-up campaigns and are proactively working with local families, youth groups and schools to provide training on water safety and encouraging residents to get involved.
Huge congratulations to Carol, Nick, Neil, and Emily and thank you to Runnymede Borough council.
Read more about the Runnymede Civic Awards here:
https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/council-local-democracy/runnymede-civic-awards