PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is very pleased to be able to continue to highlight the magnificent achievements of our talented sporting people who were honoured at the 2021 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards evening at Folly Farm Theatre.
 
Today we continue with the ‘Club Organiser’ and ‘Coach of the Year’ awards, both of which show the evidence of so much work outside actually competing in the sport – and once again we would like to thank Drew Buckley Photography for generous use of his terrific photographs.
 
The descriptions have been edited from the ones seen by the voting panel – but still reflect the amazing amount of hard work undertaken by those nominated in such vital roles.



 

Club Organiser of the Year:

 
Brian Millard (Winner)
 
Brian Millard is the main coach for the club Fishguard Thunderbolts, which is a disabled sports club.
 
Brian is absolutely committed to inclusion in all sports and this fact can be seen in the wide range of sporting activities that he club members take part in, beside football.
 
Brian gives his time twice a week for football and multi sports and also takes the club to various sporting events. His work and enthusiasm is gratefully appreciated.
 
Brian is very deserving of this nomination for the pioneering work that he has undertaken.
 
 
Naomi Dalton (Finalist):
 
Naomi Dalton is a busy working mum of two, who brought her son Ryan along to Merlins Bridge Boxing Club 6 years ago and soon decided to give training a go and has not looked back.
 
She has become a qualified WABA coach and a qualified TRX instructor, is also the club secretary and has done a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes.
 
The club want to thank her for all her hard work, especially as the club’s Covid officer and the responsibility that carries. She has also taken on all the clubs social media pages.
 
She has encouraged the coaches to take part in Zoom classes for Disability Sport Wales where the club are working on Ribbon Accreditation and one of her best attributes is the encouragement she gives to the young female boxers in the club.
 
 
Gareth Bennett (Finalist):
 
Gareth is such a great asset and is the epicentre of Haverfordwest Seals Swimming club.
 
Prior to Covid, Gareth worked tirelessly to ensure the club ran day to day but since all the restrictions he has had to work twice as hard to ensure the sessions are run and ensure all the Covid restrictions are adhered too.
 
Looking after over 65 swimmers, swimming 5 times a week he keeps it all together and organised, plus organising safety within Covid 19 regulations.
 
Everyone at the club looks up to Gareth for his quiet but committed attitude and in the swimming club know just how lucky they are to have him.



 

Coach of the Year:

 
Chris McEwen (Winner):
 
Chris McEwen is a coach at Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Boxing club and has been working with children with disabilities in Ysgol Henry Tudor and as a positive result all the pupils are welcome at the club every Thursday disability-boxing sessions are free and they love it.          
 
Chris is a great coach and in particular he has had a positive influence on pupils who have disabilities and has adapted the boxing to suit their needs and as a result, physical activity is being enjoyed by those taking part.
 
He also works with mainstream pupils in helping them to control their emotions and teaching them to place their anger into their movements at the gym only, as well as improving their social etiquette, manners, behaviour and boxing skills. 
 
 
Simon Gardiner (Finalist):
 
Simon Gardiner deserves recognition for his dedication to nurturing and developing people of all ages through his love of rugby.
 
Since retiring from professional rugby Simon has committed to using his knowledge and passion for the sport to positively impact those around him.
 
He has coached children at Haverfordwest RFC under 9s and has also led in setting up a new rugby club called ‘The Pembrokeshire Vikings’, who are a mixed-ability team and is already like a family for many.
 
The inclusion of all is central to Simon’s philosophy whilst promoting team work, exercise and discipline, but at all times having a huge amount of fun. The way he interacts and offers everyone the same opportunity is a joy to watch.
 
Simon Lewis (Finalist):
 
Simon Lewis is the coach for junior middle distance running at Pembrokeshire Harriers.
 
Simon plans and facilitates the sessions for young athletes aged 8 plus.
 
He is so encouraging and the sessions are always well planned and thoroughly enjoyable. Simon also attends events where his athletes are competing and provides help to parents and support for athletes.
 
Simon gives up his time freely. He recently assisted in the coaching of Pembrokeshire Harriers U13 Girls Team who won a bronze medal in the Welsh Road Relay Championships held in Pembrey.
 
Simon is so good with the young people and really knows how to get the best out of them.