National Volunteer Award winners for 2022 announced
England Athletics are pleased to announce the 2022 National Volunteer Award winners. All nominees had been put forward after winning their Regional Awards.
England Athletics CEO Chris Jones said,
"I would very much like to pay tribute to those individuals, clubs, and groups that have been nominated in this year’s England Athletics national volunteer award programme. You are all symbolic of a huge nationwide effort that is central to the long term success and health of our great sport."
The winners are invited to a presentation evening and dinner on 24 February, at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre. This will be followed by the Athletics World Indoor Tour Final at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, as VIP guests, on Saturday 25 February.
Winners
- Club of the year: Nantwich Running Club
- Coach of the year: Mary Carter
- Club Leader of the year: Tony Benton
- Community Project of the year: Herne Hill Harriers / Tooting Run Club
- Newcomer to volunteering: Jo Mohan
- Inspiring official: Kamil Winogrodzki
- Services to Athletics: Stewart Barnes
You can read more about each winner below.
Chris continued,
The COVID-19 crisis brought challenges that are still being felt in our sport today and the last year has seen additional issues emerge in wider society that bring risk to our sport at all levels. However, what is clearly evident is the incredible dedication, resilience, pride, and passion that the volunteer led athletics and running community have demonstrated that will serve us all well as we look forward to all that 2023 will bring, and as we work to provide opportunities for all to enjoy our wonderfully accessible and inclusive sport whatever the ambition, aspiration, ability, background, or age."
In recent months England Athletics published a 'State of the Nation' update on delivery progress against our established strategy, and how the sport was recovering post pandemic thanks to the work of volunteers. Watch our new strategy video.
Volunteering is central to our strategy and to those who have been recognised in this year’s programme at a regional or national level we are truly thankful for all that you continue to give to our sport. You are an inspiration to others and motivational to those who may be thinking about getting involved themselves.
Find out more
Club of the year - winner: Nantwich Running Club
Established at the end of the lock down in February 2021 it is now a highly inclusive club of 400 members with a philosophy of running for fun and mental well-being. The club encourages members to undertake the LiRF and have created a Couch to 5k Programme. Members say that the club has helped them with their mental health and wellbeing, encouraged them to become more social post lockdown and made lifelong friends.
Read full citation
Coach of the year - winner: Mary Carter
Junior Head Coach Mary has delivered a new weekly training programme and a very successful summer camp initiative and encouraged many youngsters back into athletics, including making special efforts for autistic youngsters. She has introduced funetics, end of term QuadKids competition and is developing the U15 multi-event group. She develops youth athletes on Assistant Coach courses to give them self-confidence to deliver training to younger peers.
Read full citation
Club Leader of the year - winner: Tony Benton
As Chairman in 2016, Tony steered the direction of Havering AC, setting high expectations with the active support of the Club Committee. Now Club Secretary he supports the new Chair, sharing his knowledge. He is a performance coach plus attends club fixtures as an official or team manager. He's also website manager, press officer, officials’ secretary, home meetings organiser and statistics officer as well as leading on policy development, and facility improvement to gain TrackMark status.
Read full citation
Community Project of the year - winner: Herne Hill Harriers / Tooting Run Club
Tooting Run Club was launched in March 2022 by Herne Hill Harriers to increase activity levels within the community. The run coaching is provided by Herne Hill Harriers coaches with assistants from the membership and Wimbledon Windmilers coaches. A number of club runners - especially women - have taken the first steps on their coaching journeys, have made new friends, as well as enjoying the benefits of improved fitness, well being and mental health.
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Newcomer to volunteering - winner: Jo Mohan
After being persuaded to do a couch to 5k and getting addicted, Jo has been instrumental in setting up the junior section within her club - with dedicated sessions, their own kit, a club championship, and Cross Country. Jo's love of runningand her approachability are her biggest attributes. She plans sessions meticulously and her approach to delivery is informative and inclusive.
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Inspiring official - winner: Kamil Winogrodzki
Kamil has officiated at events including British, ESAA, and England Athletics championships and many National League meets. He regularly gets parents and volunteers involved in duties, with a hope of getting them on the road to officiating, but is equally as happy if they can just assist for 10 minutes and makes them feel at ease. Kamil is dedicated in his role as a field official and is extremely supportive of those he comes in contact with.
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Services to Athletics - winner: Stewart Barnes
Stewart has been actively involved in athletics for 60 years, starting as an athlete - and after retiring from competition he officiated at all levels. His roles include Coventry Godiva Harriers Chair, Officials' Coordinator and Clubhouse Manager. He became Hon. Treasurer of Warwickshire County AA before taking in the same role with the Midland Counties. In 2019 he Chaired the West Midlands Regional Council. He currently Chairs the UKA Education and Training of Officials. He understands our sport will continue to change and he embraces this and the challenges that come with it.
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