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25 May 2016
Friday 6 May saw the first ever Queenswood Sports Awards Dinner. It was an evening to celebrate all our numerous individual and team achievements over the previous twelve months.
The list of achievements continues to amaze and impress. However, the evening was not just about winning and being an International sportswoman: it was an opportunity to acknowledge participation, spirit and volunteering in sport. The event was also proof of how effectively staff and pupils can collaborate to organise a special evening that could put the BBC Sports Personality of the Year to shame!
Rebecca Hurley (Sports Chairperson) was the instigator of the event and did a tremendous job. She presented a review of the year with her deputy Bethan Langley – amazingly they managed to cram 14 sports, three tours and 12 months into just 10 minutes! The review was accompanied by photographs of the year.
The evening was compered by the Director of Sport, Jo Wakeley. Sue Mott, renowned sports journalist, and former England netballer Sasha Corbin were invited to speak and give out prizes.
Sue gave an inspiring speech about how women in sport and the media have developed in her lifetime. Her speech ranged from her memories of wearing navy blue knickers for PE and playing Hockey in the mud, to the 7/7 London bombings. Sue is currently working on a book with paralympian Martine Wright, who has received a good deal of media attention as a result of her being injured in the London attack. It was striking to hear how Martine would not change a thing about her life (even suffering horrendous injuries): sport has given her so much pleasure and so many amazing experiences that she would never have experienced had she not become a Paralympian. Sue made us all reflect on the power of sport and what a positive impact it can have on our lives.
Sasha Corbin (dressed in Queenswood purple) presented the awards. Sasha is currently recovering from a serious injury and encouraged our sportswomen to follow their dreams and work hard to overcome obstacles.
Team captains, coaches and staff were invited to nominate pupils for awards in advance of the evening. All nominated sportswomen stood for a round of applause. In true Oscars style, Sasha opened the secret gold envelopes to reveal the winners.
The two main awards were Team of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year; these were voted for on the night via a smartphone app. The shrieks of delight when the 1st XI won the first ever Queenswood Team of the Year would have been heard in Potters Bar! Sprinter, Hannah Williams (6th at the World Youth Games, 4th at the Commonwealth Youth Games) won the prestigious Sports Peronality of the Year – the 20th recipient of this coveted award. Shaka Egbo (UK number 1 ranked High Jumper) was runner-up.
Principal Pauline Edgar was in attendance and congratulated girls and staff on their year of hard work and achievement, and on the professional organisation of the evening. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.
