Athletics Northern Ireland Awards 2011

The Athletics Northern Ireland Awards took place on Wednesday 19th October at Athletics House with special guest Lynn Davis, Olympic gold medallist in the long jump in Toyko 1964.

Eleven awards were presented by Lynn Davies and Athletics NI President John Glover under the categories of club, official, volunteer and coaches.

CLUBS

Junior: City of Lisburn AC

CoL has made huge progress in 2011, providing opportunities for youngsters in Lisburn, Belfast and beyond. Membership of the junior section has virtually doubled since 2010, encouraging a multi-discipline approach from fundamental to foundation stage. This was reflected in an exceptional 10 medals achieved at the NI & Ulster Multi Event Champs. Other achievements include travelling to the YAL final in B'ham, where 4 NIYAL records and 38 medals were brought home, 26 indoor medals, 56 medals at NI & Ulster T&F champs and success further afield with 6 Scottish Championship medals and 9 All Ireland.

Club of the Year: North Belfast Harriers

NBH were the first club in NI to achieve Clubmark status and to become a McCain Network Club. They also organise their fair share of events, including the Laganside 10k, NI's first Park Run Series, and competitions for primary and secondary school children. The club produces athletes of national & international standard as well as developing a junior section, and has seen their membership rise as a result of their hard work in the community. The club has applied for charitable status and form relationships with local organisations, making its clubhouse available to others in the area.

Club catering for disabled athletes: Newtownabbey Racers Special Olympics Club

Newtownabbey Racers has moved from a Special Olympics club to cater for both learning and physical disabilities in athletes of all ages. They are the first club of their kind to achieve the Clubmark status and continue to commit to developing their members and coaches with a good attendance at various UK Athletics coach education courses - showing their commitment to a 1:1 coach: athlete ration in the club environment. Activities include development days, and the club regularly hosts indoor and outdoor competitions with the May event attracting a record 102 athletes from clubs across the country.

VOLUNTEER

Young Volunteer of the Year: Andrew Minnis- Lagan Valley AC

Andrew Minnis is a dedicated member of Lagan Valley AC, coaching, attending meetings and events in addition to studying for his art degree. Andrew has also given countless hours in his capacity as an official, working hard to rise up the ranks as a marksman and even travelling to events in England to further his experience at his own cost. His work is mentored by some of the top UKA Officials and he is highly regarded by his peers. A prime example of Andrew's dedication to athletics is the Irish Indoors at the Odyssey Arena, where as well as helping to set up in days before the event, Andrew did his shift as an official before staying on late in to the night to help the event admin staff with the evening event.

Services to Volunteering -Stephen Brown- Ballymena Runners

Stephen Brown has taken his volunteering duties in Ballymena Runners to a whole new level this year. Firstly taking on the role of club kit coordinator, facilitating the growing club membership numbers and keeping track of the stock and orders. Stephen also encourages others in his club to get involved in volunteering - not just in athletics but in other community projects as well

OFFICIALS

New Official of the year: Jan Tynan

Jan has recently progressed from level 1 to a level 2 official, specialising in field events. Her good humour and personality have made her an instantly popular fixture amongst the officials fraternity, and her dedication to events is admirable. There is hardly an event that Jan hasn't attended this year, including all the major championships as well as club events - over 20 in total.

Official of the year: Roger Perrot

Roger Perrot is one of the most popular officials and has made considerable impact with his interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for the sport. He is supremely professional in his role as one of NI's most accomplished starters, ensuring that decisions are fair and clearly communicated to athletes. He draws on his own experiences from being an athlete, brings a sense of fun to the many meets he attends each season, and travels to other events across the UK to work with some of the top officials teams.

Services to Officiating: Robert Stevenson

"Stevie" has been a mainstay on the timekeepers' stand for a considerable number of years. His enthusiasm and dedication is second to none, particularly as he invariably needs to travel a considerable distance to most events. His cheerful disposition in all weathers is a real tonic to other event officials, and it has been a popular choice among the officials for his services to officiating to be recognised here tonight.

COACHES

Development Coach: Wendy Phillips

Wendy has become a key member of City of Lisburn AC, imparting her own competition knowledge and developing her coaching skill amongst her high jump groups. She devotes several sessions per week to every aspect of her athletes' technique, including psychological and tactical support. Her emphasis on sound basics has seen her athletes excel in the under 15-under 17 age groups, resulting in several competition finalists, a haul of medals at NI & Ulster and Ireland level as well as helping athletes to smash their PBs.

Performance Coach : Philip Tweedy

Philip dedicates 4 evenings per week to coach a group of young athletes in Coleraine. His multi-dimensional approach and thorough long term development plans engage his athletes, establishing successful coaching relationships that ensure the athletes enjoy the sport as well as performing well. This is evidenced in Sally Brown's rise to stardom, achieving a place on Team GB to win gold in the Paralympic World Junior Championships on 19th April, and a bronze at the Senior Championships in January. Philip's good judgement as a coach has ensured these achievements have been made without burn-out, and the future looks good for 2012 success.

Services to Coaching Matt Shields

Matt is an exceptional coach, exuding a calm & methodical approach to a multitude of athletes at North Belfast Harriers. Further to this, he established and continues to oversee the first Park Run series, which encourages more runners to get involved and improve without having to pay entry fees. Matt never seeks publicity or praise, and doesn't self-promote, yet his athletes' achievement lists are lengthy and include various county & national titles and international selections.

Despite this success, he still somehow manages to pay the same attention and concern to the newest and youngest members of the club awell. His vast knowledge and skill are openly shared and he is always open to new approaches and ideas, listening to his athletes and encouraging them.