And the winners were……

Written by David Jones on 14/11/2024. Posted in News

What a stunningly successful night our Annual Awards evening was.

I’m not going to add much because I think the photos tell the story better than ever I could. Huge thanks to Suzie Ross for the photos. Suzie bravely stepped in to the shoes of husband Max Ross who was scheduled to take the photos but ended up in A&E following a fall in the afternoon’s XC race. He assures me he’s okay and that hopefully it’s just a sprain.

The first few images below this editorial shows what a volunteer does, they also show some of the volunteers who make this club function. The Mayor, in his speech on Saturday, thanked our coaches and volunteers.

Do you detect a theme ?

Our club needs more people to step forward and lessen the load on our current volunteers.

Please consider helping.

Your club would not function without volunteers.

End of !

Take care.

David Jones

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The Mayor

Below is a transcript of the Mayor’s speech on Saturday

It’s a pleasure to join you all tonight for this wonderful celebration of hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievement. I’m honoured to be here with so many talented athletes, dedicated coaches, and supportive families and friends who make up the heart and soul of Stratford-upon-Avon Athletics Club.

As mayor, I’m incredibly proud of how our club continues to embody the values that make our town so special: resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Every time I hear about one of your achievements, whether it’s a personal best, a new club record, or simply the sheer effort you put into training, it reminds me of the community spirit that Stratford holds dear.

Tonight, we come together to honour each of you—not just for your accomplishments on the track, field, or road, but for the perseverance and dedication you show, day in and day out.

Sports demand so much more than physical strength. It takes mental grit, sacrifice, and, as we all know, no small amount of passion.

I’d like to extend a special thank you to the coaches and volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to make this club such a supportive and inspiring environment. Your guidance and encouragement help athletes of all ages achieve their potential and grow, not only as competitors but as individuals.

To the families and friends here tonight, thank you as well for all the unseen work—the early mornings, the traveling to events, the unwavering support. Behind every successful athlete is a network of people who lift them up, and tonight is as much a celebration of your efforts as it is of the athletes’.

For our award winners this evening, congratulations on your accomplishments! You are a source of pride for our club and an inspiration to us all. May you carry this moment forward, knowing that Stratford-upon-Avon stands behind you and celebrates with you.

Thank you all for your dedication, for representing our town so well, and for showing us all what it means to be part of a truly exceptional community. Here’s to many more records broken, friendships formed, and future champions born right here in Stratford-upon-Avon.

And the Winners were….