2012 AGM & Awards Evening - Archived Content
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Weymouth Saint Paul’s Harriers held their annual AGM & Presentation night recently, with Para Olympian Paul Blake on hand to give out the awards to the athletes. Multiple winners this year were Mel Ward for the seniors, and Benedict Westhenry, Hannah Westhenry and Elinor Mason for the juniors.
Club president Tony Faulkner congratulated club coaches Pete Clarke & Tracy Moore on being named as Olympic Torch bearers. Tony introduced Paul, who won Gold in the 400m & silver in the 800m & 1500m in the Para World Championships last year, and then set a world record for the 800m in his class T36 for athletes with cerebral palsy. Paul then had a question and answer session with the audience. He explained how he started running because he wasn’t able to ride a bike because of his CP and used to run after his siblings when they were cycling. He now trains 6 times a week in Bath in preparation for this summer’s Para Olympic Games where he is one of GB’s top medal hopes. He earned his first GB vest on 2010. Paul presented trophies & medals to all the athletes present.
Brian Copp, who has for many years presented the TG Copp Memorial Cup for overall competitor of the year, gave a short speech highlighting some of the history of the cup and his own long standing association with the Harriers. He gave voice to the feelings of the club that the athletics track at the Marsh is in need of a major refurbishment. He presented the cup for to Benedict Westhenry for the 5th year running for his outstanding achievement county, national & International competitions. Westhenry also received a special award for outstanding achievement in recognition of his selection for GB for the European Youth Olympics, aswell as under 17 competitor of the year & the Dave Buck trophy for cross country.
Younger sister Hannah was also multiple winner, with Most Improved under 13 girl, best under 13 girl Cross country as well as the Fred Damen memorial shield for Cross country. Elinor Mason was a double award winner gaining both Best Effort & Most Improved under 15 girl. Mel Ward was awarded the ladies Road Runners Cup and a trophy as the first female Harrier in the Weymouth 10.
Gareth Creech was delighted to receive his first ever award winning 1st male harrier in the Weymouth 10. Mike Smith, who has now completed 130 marathons, was Male Road Runner of the Year.
Other major awards were The Sunshine Cup for dedication and enthusiasm, given in memory of young WSPH athlete Sophie Llewellyn, presented to Phoebe Barnes.
Other Competitors of the year were Kai Groves, Courtney MacGregor–Smart (U11), Toby Manning, Savannah Evans (U13) & Emma Stevenson (U15).
Out going Treasurer Paddy White was awarded the Outstanding Dedication & Effort Trophy.
Club chair, Caroline Stevenson made a plea for helpers at the club. WSPH is in particularly desperate need for a Treasurer to take over in April.