Thursday 18th September saw the University Arena host the 2014 City of Worcester Sports Awards. Worcester Swimming Club had gained three short listed Finalists for the gala event and excitement was high.
Steve Cram MBE was the host for the evening and was knowledgeable, funny, touching and enthusiastic in his style. He was an inspirational speaker who everyone in the audience enjoyed listening to. Steve spoke about the Olympic legacy in the country and discussed the importance of hard work, belief in one’s self, and the support of family and Coaches.
The very first Award of the evening was the Senior Male Sportsman of the Year. Straight away Worcester Swimming Club was up in lights and Robin Williams was announced as the winner. It was a wonderful start to an amazing evening for the Club.
A few Awards later was the prestigious Coach of the Year Award. Once again, Worcester Swimming Club was to the fore with Head Coach Mark Stowe’s name being read out! A very worthwhile winner of this big Award.
After the interval Worcester City Council Cabinet Member Cllr David Wilkinson gave a speech on the sporting credentials of the City, including informing the audience that the Council would soon be building a new swimming pool following this week’s proposal by the Council Cabinet to build a new visionary 8 Lane pool.
Shortly after this the Junior Team of the Year Award went to the Yr 5&6 swimming team from Northwick Manor Primary School. They were worthy winners after excellent performances in the summer’ English Schools competition. In their citation Worcester Swimming Club was again mentioned when the audience were informed that several of the swimmers train at the Club.
Then the Club of the Year Award. Once again, for the third time out of three, Worcester Swimming Club came out on top! Club Captains 2013-14 Eleanor Sheldon and James Marsh joined Club Chairman Simon Richards in collecting the Award.
Chairman Simon said after the event “This was an amazing evening for Worcester Swimming Club and it was a privilege and honour to be present to hear such inspirational stories and celebrate the successes from across the City. From a Swimming Club point of view I am obviously thrilled that we have collected three Awards. I would like to personally congratulate Robin and Mark for their very well deserved individual Awards. Tonight provides another example of how this wonderful Club is growing year on year and we hope that this success will be remembered on 30th September when Worcester City Council will make their final vote on a new swimming pool for the City. A new, 8 Lane pool, as recommended by the Council Cabinet this week, will provide the City with a modern, forward-facing facility which will continue to support the City and County for the next forty years and beyond.”
Pictured Left to right Robin Williams – Senior Male Sportsman of the Year, Mark Stowe – Head Coach WSC, James Marsh – Club Captain, Eleanor Sheldon – Club Captain, Simon Richards – Club Chairman.