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On Tuesday 3rd June, 2008, The Moathouse Hotel played host to the Sentinel’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Over the past few months, people have been sending in nominations for the various categories to The Sentinel and a few weeks ago, the short listing took place. There were 12 categories and as part of Trentham Boat Club, Trentham Canoe Club and Trentham Water Sports association, we were nominated for 4 categories. These were: Junior Team of the Year (TBC) Coach of the Year (Darren Barton TBC) Service to Sport (Ruth Holdway TCC) and Sport in the Community (Trentham Water Sports Association rowing and canoeing).
Nerves were running high as the evening progressed to the awards ceremony. Trophies and plaques were presented to these well deserved winners who have been an inspiration to all those interested in sport. Trentham Boat Club won the category for Junior Team of the Year. They were up against football and bowling, but held off their opposition as only the juniors know how to by reaping 1st place. All 9 of them headed to the stage together to collect their trophy to show true team spirit and the reason why they won junior team of the year, leaving their coach Darren Barton looking on with delight. Coach of the year was our next nomination with Darren Barton being shortlisted down to just 3 coaches. After watching the nomination videos, the 1st name was called out for 3rd place. With a sigh of relief, we knew we were in with a chance. Darren’s name was called out for 2nd place. The juniors cheered with excitement as they saw their coach who puts so much time and dedication into what he does get noticed for his successes. Darren was runner up to Alan Morris who had been in Athletics for over 20 years. There’s still time for Darren.
Our next nomination was for Ruth Holdway who founded Trentham Canoe Club and who is also secretary for Trentham Water Sports Association. She was nominated for Tom Brennan’s Service to Sport award after securing funding and a lease for our new boathouse. Ruth came 3rd which is a great achievement after all the nominations the judges must have received.
Our last nomination was for the Sport in the Community award. Trentham Water Sports Association (rowing and canoeing) was up against Boxing and Archery. 3rd place went to Archery and the runner up was Boxing. Both Ruth and Darren headed to the stage to collect their awards. The TWA are proud to have such dedicated community sports coaches like Darren and Ruth who give up so much of their time to help both youngsters and adults alike to fulfil their potential in rowing and canoeing.