This year, the Wokingham Superbowl played host to the Albatross Diving Club Annual Awards Ceremony which acknowledges the divers, coaches, club members and events of 2014.
There was much for the Club to celebrate with success across the country in competition with placing, finalists and medals being gained throughout the year at all levels from Novice to Elite. Whilst Albatross is a smaller Club in comparison to Southampton, Crystal Palace and Sheffield it can hold its head high with the awards evening emphasising the fact that when the Club works together, success is the result.
A total of 13 awards were presented during the evening. The first group being a series of trophies recognising diving improvement and success. Tilly Waight and Alfie Cook were awarded the trophies for the Girl and Boy showing the Most Improvement on the Learn to Dive Programme. Molly Lefever and James Ridley were awarded the Best Girl and Boy Newcomer of the year, both having joined the competitive squads in the Club during 2014. Billy Minns was recognised for improving significantly at Novice Level.
Ethan Jones picked up the trophy for the most Significant Progress as an Advanced Diver covering Age Group and Elite diving.
The Club then went on to recognise the sporting attributes of supportiveness and team spirit and attitude to taking on a challenge. Charlotte West was awarded the cup for the Most Supportive Diver during training sessions. Amy Watts, who is both a diver and junior coach, was recognised for her support of her team mates and competitors at competition by awarding her the 2014 Team Spirit trophy. There were two winners of the Challenge Cup, Jasmine McCallum and Lottie Gosling for their unfailing willingness and trust in their coach to take on the challenge of new dives.
In recognition of the young Coaching Assistants who volunteer weekly to support the qualified Club Coaches, Celie Mullen was presented with the Youth Coach Development Award for her aptitude and commitment to coaching alongside her own diving training and school commitments.
The Mary Kinghorn Trophy, which is awarded each year by the divers to the coach who they feel has best contributed to their progression in diving through their support, encouragement, patience and technical coaching, was awarded to Chris Beal who is a valuable new addition to the permanent coaching team.
The Keith Meek Award recognises the outstanding contribution to the club of a volunteer. Whilst all the coaches and committee members give their time voluntarily the contribution of Nicky Frewin to the club was particularly outstanding throughout the year.
The final two awards recognise overall excellence in the sport. James West, was the worthy recipient of the Chris Barker Shield for competition excellence. Charlie Minns, was awarded the President’s Cup for attitude and achievement.
