Sports Volunteers from across the County have been recognised and rewarded at this year’s Cornwall Sports Awards. The annual event, held at The Headland Hotel in Newquay on Friday 7th November, welcomed over 200 of Cornwall’s dedicated volunteer sports coaches, officials, clubs, organisations and young leaders. Organised by the Cornwall Sports Partnership, the event now in its ninth year pays tribute to the many volunteers from across the duchy who dedicate their time and efforts to support the strong sports community and inspiring the next sporting generation.
17 awards were presented in all, with the Young Leader of the Year Award going to Vicky Burlingham, of Hayle Surf Life Saving Club. Vicky follows in her brother’s footsteps, as he won the community volunteer of the year U-25 award three years ago. Vicky has been an active member of Hayle Surf Life Saving Club since the age of 7, progressing through the various sections of the club, from nippers through to juniors and then on to the senior division. Vicky qualified as a beach lifeguard through the club, and now gives up a lot of her own time to coach the nipper section of the club.
“All of the children look up to Vicky and they all want to be just like her”, says Traci Parker from the club. “As well as being young and enthusiastic about her sport, she has a gift for making the children work hard, but have fun at the same time. They all look up to her because, as well as coaching them, Vicky trains hard herself.”
Vicky has competed locally, nationally and internationally this year, including participating in the world Surf Life Saving Championship, in Montpellier, France. Vicky returned triumphant with her team, having made it to the finals of a number of events, including the single rescue and mass rescue, in the Inshore Rescue Boat in which she and her team achieved fourth place.
Also being a keen runner and competitive swimmer and coach, Vicky leads by example and it is difficult to avoid getting caught up in her enthusiasm. Anyone interested in Hayle Surf Life Saving Club, which now takes children from age five and upwards, should contact Dave Parker on 07967 213204, or visit the club website at hayleslsc.org.uk.