Guernsey’s Sporting Achievement Awards evening is no longer just a celebration of local games and those who play them. As evidenced by the list of winners at last week’s awards, local sport is now very much performed on the national, even international stage. And what’s as impressive is the breadth of local excellence.
This year’s awards covered swimming, rowing, rugby, football, padel, surfing, netball, motor racing and athletics, recognised from local events, the Island Games, and, in the case of footballers Maya Le Tissier and Alex Scott, European international tournament success.
Graham Chester from the Guernsey Sports Commission said he was especially encouraged by the list of nominees for the younger age award categories, and the breadth of sports it was drawn from.
‘We’re not just potentially strong in two to three sports – it’s across the board, really.’
That success, however you may judge it, is almost all driven by local volunteer coaches. As sport in schools has changed, the its accessibility in the community, and the enthusiasm with which it is delivered, have become key.
Mr Chester knows the recipe and knows that it works. And it’s a credit to all those involved as volunteer parents support the sport experts and keep the production line of both sporting excellence, and simple participation, rolling.
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