THE CLASS OF 2016 – TOP COMMUNITY COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS MAKE FINAL LINE-UP
Sixteen heroes of grassroots sport in Wales have been selected to contest the Wales Sport Awards 2016.
They were shortlisted after being nominated for their outstanding contributions to community sport, following a nationwide search.
The winners will be revealed at the Wales Sport Awards ceremony at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay on Monday 5 December 2016, organised jointly by BBC Wales and Sport Wales.
The five community awards celebrate the essential and often unseen work of volunteers and coaches who keep sport thriving in every corner of Wales.
The finalists for 2016 are:
Volunteer of the Year
Delyth Jones – Swimming/Denbighshire
Chris Landon – Cycling/Cardiff
Debra Cavill – Gymnastics/Carmarthenshire
Young Volunteer of the Year
Megan Curling – Gymnastics/Bridgend
Joseph Jones – Multi-Sport/Conwy
Gwenan Williams – Multi-Sport/Anglesey
Community Coach of the Year
Matthew Lamb – Football/Pembrokeshire
Roddie Milne – Taekwondo/Denbighshire
Paul Crapper – Cycling/Monmouthshire
Young Coach of the Year
Ieuan Davies – Hockey/Cardiff
Jamie Evans – Gymnastics/Bridgend
Daniel Johnsey – Swimming/Monmouthshire
Coach to Disabled People
Bob Perry and Richard Plenty – Squash/Cardiff
Emily Griffiths – Swimming/Vale of Glamorgan
Deb Bashford – Wheelchair Basketball/Gwynedd
Dr Paul Thomas, Chair of Sport Wales commented:
“The importance of these volunteers and coaches can’t be overestimated. They are the heartbeat of sport in Wales and they deserve our thanks and recognition for the work do in getting people hooked on sport.
“It is such a hard task picking out finalists and winners for the Awards but their stories will be an inspiration and motivation for others.”
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Wales, added:
“It’s great that these coaches are getting the recognition they clearly deserve. It’s fitting that they will share the spotlight with the stars of Welsh elite sport who wouldn’t have made it to the top without the unseen efforts of volunteers and coaches, day in day out. I am sure it is going to be a fantastic night.”
For more information visit walessportawards.org.uk
