Jersey Disabled Athletes Recognised

Nine islanders have been given awards for their work to promote disabled sport in Jersey.

They were recognised last night at the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled annual dinner.

Alan Ronxin has spent 30 years supporting wheelchair sports in the island. He’s been given the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Service.

Guy Gilson was named coach of the year for his work to develop wheelchair tennis in Jersey.

Sally Ahier won the Howard Walker Memorial Trophy for Unsung Hero in Disabled Sport. Sally has attended a variety of JSAD events for a number of years.

Melissa Alves secured the top award of the night – Sports Personality of the Year. She’s participated in a number of wheelchair sports and raised thousand of pounds.

Darren Renouf is the winner of the Graeme Pitman Memorial Trophy for Endeavour, for his dedicated service to the Jersey Wheelers.

The footballer of the year prize went to Shane Crocker, who has been a member of the JSAD A team for the last 13 years.

Jake Raven‘s dedicated membership saw him given Ten Pin Bowler of the Year, while Adam Cartwright won Wheelchair Sports Person of the Year.

Team of the Year was given to the Jersey Wheelchair team, who are now recruiting new players.

JSAD Chairman Paul Patterson says recognising these volunteers is so important.

“It’s not always about people who are necessarily the best sportsperson. It’s sometimes about the people who just try very hard and people that support our members like our unsung heroes.

“Of course we have a need for very highly-specialised coaching staff. They all give up their time voluntarily for us, which is fantastic. We like to recognise some of them as well.”