Volunteer Awards evening 2024: London
Last night we celebrated all the amazing volunteers in the capital. The Regional Volunteer Awards highlighted the exceptional contribution of volunteers to the athletics and running community across London. The hard work, dedication and passion of each individual was clear to see. We share some of their impact on the community below:
Club Leader of the year
Winner: Colin Harris (Wimbledon Mindmilers)
Colin has been an active member of the Wimbledon Windmilers and led the club in events and volunteering. This year, he has organised a new route for a league event hosted by Wimbledon Windmilers. It required a new route because the old route had a bottleneck at the start which was considered high risk, so Colin took the initiative to research the new route, gain the necessary permissions and do the risk assessment. With the new route we expect to increase participation levels further. He also always makes sure every member of the club has the opportunity to volunteer.
Runner up: Tahir Shams (Tooting Run Club)
Tahir Shams founded Tooting Run Club in partnership with Herne Hill Harriers, and has led the club since its launch in March 2022. He has effectively cultivated an inclusive and welcoming environment, encouraging diverse participation and promoting the club’s mission to increase physical activity within the community. His leadership is evident in attracting and retaining a high percentage of female runners, providing a safe and supportive space for women to improve their fitness. During his time in charge there have been key improvements in member satisfaction and community engagement.
Club of the year
Winner: Tooting Run Club
Tooting Running Club is a community outreach running club with an inclusive programme for beginner and intermediate runners. The club breaks down barriers like financial constraints, lack of training knowledge, and safety concerns about running alone. They foster camaraderie through regular social activities and ensure safety during group runs to enhance member satisfaction. TRC accommodates participants with disabilities, such as severe autism and blindness, and supports individuals who previously felt isolated. TRC is a welcoming and empowering space
Runner up: Edmonton RC
Edmonton RC pride themselves on their diversity and sense of inclusion, which are fundamental to ensuring members have a great experience and feel ‘at home’ whilst being supported to achieve their own running goals. The club also facilitates volunteering opportunities inside and outside of running including involvement in local parkruns, the club's Run the River race and the local foodbank.
Runner up: Ruislip RC
Ruislip's achievements go beyond running, as they organise regular social events and activities that help build strong friendships and a sense of belonging. From post-run drinks & lunches to holiday parties and volunteer opportunities, the club has a strong sense of community and connection. In the past 12 months, they have increased in numbers and achievements as well as training regular members in first aid and starting a batch of new volunteers on their journey.
Coach of the year
Winner: Christine Parsloe (Sutton & District AC)
Christine brings her enthusiasm and vast knowledge to all athletes from 5 year olds who are new to the sport to athletes securing their first international caps, to individuals competing at World Championships and the Paralympic Games. She is able to create an environment where each individual's needs are met and everyone feels safe and comfortable to be themselves. She supports all the athletes to achieve their goals not only in wheelchair racing but also in life outside of sport.
Runner up: Andrew Flemming (Barnet & District AC)
Andrew is a thorough and focused coach, whose attention to detail is fundamental in enabling all athletes to work towards their potential. He takes personal interest in every athlete's development, produces individualised training plans, tracks individual progress, sets realistic but ambitious goals for the short and long terms and takes time to make every athlete in the group feel seen, heard and valued. He is committed to both improving the physical and mental aspects of the sport, and is relatable in his approach.
Community Project of the year
Winner: Black Girls Do Run UK
Black Girls Do Run UK support and inspire black women of all ages and abilities to run. The nominator said this group has helped to encourage, empower and enrich her life as well as her wellness journey, physically, mentally and emotionally. The group helps women to feel valued and welcomed encouraging more black women taking up running at their own pace and their own way.
Runner up: TrailFam
TrailFam have been running a programme in London schools for over a year now. In that time they have provided access to nature and the outdoors to over 600 young people through running on trails, both locally, nationally and internationally. Primarily aimed at secondary school children, the programme has bridged the gap between city and nature. This project is having a big impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, community building, skill development, career inspiration and inclusivity for young people across London.
Inspiring Official
Winner: Malcolm French (Serpentine RC)
Malcolm is a multi-qualified official covering Track, Field and Endurance and has been a member of Serpentine RC for over 25 years. He is a great supporter of athletes, young and old, and works hard to find officials and volunteers for a range of events. He is a great person to have in your team, always supportive and generous with his time and commitment. His impact reaches beyond his club as members of the athletic community in London have been heard many times saying, "where would we be without Malcolm's help".
Winner: John Hubbard (Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC)
John is instrumental at Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC in ensuring the safe and successful running of open meets. He recently ran workshops to support new officials and supported them to be confident in their roles in the upcoming competitions. The current Club President explained why John is a worthy winner, "He always goes above and beyond what is required and does so with an aura of calm that is steadying and reassuring for our team."
Winner: Stuart Pugh
Stuart always goes out of his way to help officials in all aspects of their journey, whether gaining experience at events/meetings or in his capacity as COfSec. Stuart not only goes out of his way to help officials but also to ensure athletes/parents/spectators etc all have a positive experience and explains any decisions made in a respectful and clear manner. As a COfSec, he has worked very hard to get to know officials in the county and is well respected by all officials.
Newcomer to Volunteering
Winner: Lynda Poyroo (Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC)
Lynda is an unsung hero at Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, working quietly behind the scenes, always offering her help when she can see others are under pressure or too busy. In her role as Minutes secretary for the Club Executive Committee, she ensures meetings are scheduled and communicates effectively with members to ensure they are reminded of these meetings and have details to attend in person or on zoom. Lynda is also always on hand to help with our home track & field open fixtures.
Runner up: Helena Stone (London Heathside)
When not competing in para athletics Helena can be found behind a computer at the trackside, diligently operating the timing software and dealing calmly with the inevitable glitches. Her optimism, helpful attitude and readiness to get 'stuck in' are valuable assests in helping London Heathside to progress and serve its members. She first got involved in volunteering by answering a call for members to train to use the club's sometimes complex electronic timekeeping equipment and is now a club committee member and London councillor.
Contribution to Athletics and Running
Winner: Ben Pochee (Highgate Harriers)
Ben Pochee is the Volunteer Race Director for the Night of the 10k PB's, which started in 2013 with 56 UK athletes and has grown from there with the 2024 edition seeing 403 athletes from 40 countries and 6 continents competing, incorporating the Team GB Olympic trials. This event was key in the investment to redevelop the Parliament Hill track. In the weeks leading up to the event, Ben is key in facilitating athlete participation and building a positive spectator expereince with un-ticketed access and an array of entertainment and refreshements.
Runner up: Xavier Brown (Jump3)
Xavier Brown was inspired by a visit to the Paris Diamond League to run an event at the SEN school he was working at including the vertical jump. From here he set up Jump3 (Just Uplifting Mental Prosperity) to provide an opportunity for everyone passionate about athletics to get involved. Jump3 events are very fun as people may have practiced something like standing long jump but never got marked. These events aim to shed a light on field events and increase the growth of jumpers through this.
Services to Athletics and Running
Winner: Jamie Bath (Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers)
Jamie has over 30 years of experience with the hammer and having himself been taught by the best in the business, he is now passing this knowledge onto the athletes he coaches. He encourages and supports athletes to be the best version of themselves and dream big with their ambitions. He has brought success to the throwing group at Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers with many competing in regional, national and international competitions. Jamie is a coach who you would want to be on your side due to his amazing support.