The “Oscars” of Cornish sport were presented at a prestigious awards evening held at The Atlantic Hotel in Newquay last Friday night. Competently compered by former athlete, turned radio presenter, Neil Caddy of Pirate FM the Cornwall Sports Partnership and its numerous sponsors honoured achievements in the awards categories of coaching, clubs and volunteering.
With five nominations and one win Penzance Tennis Club had a wonderful night. Competing against sports such as table tennis, cricket, running, hockey, rugby, surfing, swimming and football Penzance Tennis Club was voted Club of the Year 2011. The award was presented by Lee Hall from the Cornwall & Devon Media Group and proudly received by Club Chairman Trevor Newborn and Penzance Tennis Manager, Martin Coates.
Long-standing coach Keith Songhurst received framed certificates for his nomination for Lifetime Services to Sport. Tennis Manager Martin Coates who has only just seen out his first year with the club and has worked extremely hard to raise the club’s profile and attract more members, was presented with a nomination for Coach of the Year. Penzance Tennis Club also received nominations for Adult Club of the Year and Junior Club of Year.
During the most enjoyable evening guest speakers Mark Lewarne (international tri-athlete) and former England international rugby star Phil de Glanville gave an inspirational insight into the importance of sport. Whilst Lewarne gave the audience an account of his tough daily training regime de Glanville pointed out that apart from discipline, commitment and dedication the most valuable ingredient for any successful athlete is attitude.
There is certainly no doubting of Penzance Tennis Club’s attitude towards its sport. Receiving so many nominations and winning the overall club category is a fine achievement and a big thank-you goes to all who voted for the club.