As the 2015 season draws to a close it is the time to reward those that have put in extra work for others to reap the benefits. This year is no exception. The East Midlands Regional Committee received nominations from across the region before deciding on the winners for 2014.The following worthy recipients have been recognised for their outstanding work in triathlon across East Midlands.
Performance Coach of the Year – Steve Casson
Steve Casson has had an outstanding year in guiding the East Midlands and a number of triathletes to many titles. As the Regional Academy Head Coach he has been instrumental in guiding the Region to become the Inter-Regional Champions in 2014. He has also coached Ben Dijkstra to winning gold at the Olympic Youth Games and Phil Hogg to winning numerous this year and currently ranked N˚1 in the world. This year has seen Steve become the British Triathlon Paratriathlon Head of Performance Coach and has already made his mark in taking the team through to Rio 2016. This is a thoroughly deserved award in recognition of his excellence in getting others to achieve their sporting goals.
Children’s Coach of the Year – Lee Wallhead (Lincoln Triathlon Club)
Lee Wallhead was nominated for this award for the dedication, effort and time he has put in towards coaching the juniors at Lincoln Triathlon Club. Lee is part of a team of coaches that have seen the juniors excel this season to become the East Midlands Team Champions. Having coached the juniors for two seasons he has now stepped up to head the development squad. Without his enthusiasm and high spirits there is no doubt that the club could not have produced so many outstanding competitors.
Volunteer of the Year – Sarah Brayer (Derby Triathlon Club)
Sarah Brayer took over as the East Midlands Junior Race Series coordinator two seasons ago. Little did she know that the number of participants would double in that time to have over 400 juniors registered for the series. Not only does Sarah register the juniors for the series but she has planned which races would take part, liaises with the event organisers with regards to the results, deals with queries from competitors and attends all of the races. In addition to this she also deals with the selection criteria for the Inter-Regional Championship. Sarah’s diligence, meticulous planning and organisational skills have ensured that this year’s East Midlands Series has been the best yet.
Club of the Year – Lincoln Triathlon Club
An established club Lincoln Triathlon Club has continued to grow and support its members across a wide spectrum of activities. The club membership currently stands at 266 with 169 adults and 97 juniors. The club run varied sessions that cater for those that have just started out in triathlon to those that are seasoned competitors racing at the World and European Age Group Championship. The club has a very successful junior section that saw them crowned as Regional Junior Series Champions 2014. It puts on its own stand alone junior and adult events, supports Triathlon England projects such as GO TRI Events and Novice Training Days. To do all of this the club’s committee has ensured that it has a properly trained workforce of volunteers that help coach officiate and put on events. This award is recognition for all the hard work by the club’s outstanding volunteers.
Event of the Year – Lincoln Kid’s Triathlon
This year was the 6th year since the race first took place with numbers continuing to grow and particularly so since the 2012 London Games. Competitors and parents have seen a marked increase in the professionalism of the event that has not just been cosmetic; due to the large number of participants safety has been paramount with the number of marshals to competitors high for such a compact course. Parents are given a separate briefing on the race to ensure that the atmosphere is one of taking part rather than win at all costs. There has been the inclusion of a Toddler Trot to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part; this has proved popular and developed a pathway into junior participation. This award has recognised the environmental impact policy, working with other clubs, taking seriously the welfare of its volunteers and ensuring that the event is remembered for being fun and fair.
