After being nominated and then reaching the final, Medway & Maidstone AC were second in the Medway Sports Award – Best Club category. This is a biennial event and is hotly contested by some very big clubs, so taking second place was a massive achievement. The nomination had to meet a long list of criteria relating to the club teams and individual successes as well as proof of strong coaching and overall management. The club’s recent successes in winter and summer leagues, individual success highlighted by UK rankings and the club’s provision for athletics across a wide range of age groups, including disability sports were all recognised.
Club athlete Zara Obamakinwa was also shortlisted in the awards final in the Junior Sports Person category for her outstanding discus performances. In addition to winning gold at County, Regional, National and English Schools events, Zara is now No 4 in the UK all-time records in the Under 15 discus. On the night, Zara was up against some very tough opposition from internationals in various sports, but her talents were still recognised as she took the bronze award. This category is open to sportspersons up to the age of 17, so at just 14 Zara will have more chances in the future.
Also nominated in the junior sportsperson category was club athlete Hamish Reilly. Hamish is regular competitor for the club, both on the track and at cross-country. This nomination was, in fact, made for his success in national triathlons, highlighting Hamish’s wide range of talents.
Finally, the club had a fourth representative at the awards – Darren Young, in the Sportsperson of the Year Award. Darren was nominated for his para volley ball and discus success at the Invictus Games where he won silver and bronze medals. On the night Darren was highlighted for a special mention and was interviewed as part of the proceedings.
Report by Steve Hesketh
