Pride of Inverclyde

Published 16 Dec 2009 14:00

Share this

Inverclyde Athletic Club president Gerry Gaffney and wife Jan attended the UK Athletic Awards in Birmingham recently, the culmination of a superb year foir the club.

Inverclyde had been shortlisted as one of three clubs in the running for the UK Club of the Year Award, eventually being voted second best.

The other two clubs were Swansea Harriers, the eventual winners, and Newham and Essex Beagles.

Gerry said: "It was an honour for me to be there and it was all down to the extreme dedication, commitment, passion, focus, guidance, direction and, quite simply, hard work undertaken by many at Inverclyde AC.

"This has truly been an amazing year for Inverclyde Athletic Club.

"The icing on the cake was when I asked world champion triple jump gold medallist from Berlin, Phillips Idowu, for his autograph and he dedicated it to Inverclyde AC."

The Awards night, sponsored by Heidsieck and Co Monopole, was held in the Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, with the vast hall accommodating more than 30 tables.

There were also four large screens positioned so that everyone could enjoy the proceedings.

The hall was full of the cream of UK athletics talent, including world, Olympic, European, Commonwealth champions and medallists - and Inverclyde AC.

The evening began with a champagne reception during which Chief Executive of Scottish Athletics Limited, Geoff Wightman, presented Jan and Gerry with the SAL Club Mark Award.

This award was a separate item on the night from Scottish Athletics and one that the club has been working towards for a while. It recognises clubs who meet the national standard of practice and provide a safe structure for members.

The main UK Awards began with Rob Walker welcoming everyone and taking the company through some athletic highlights of the year. After an excellent dinner the Awards began with the BOA Athlete of the Year category which went to Phillips Idowu - a very popular winner.

Inverclyde eventually were awarded second place in the UK Club of the Year Award. To be even considered for a nomination is a tremendous achievement. It was a very proud moment to see Inverclyde AC's name up on the large screens.

Everyone Gerry and his wife spoke to was so impressed with Inverclyde AC and, in particular, the Queens Award which was, in some of their oipnions, better than the UK Award.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 16 Dec 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @greenocktele