The importance of keeping active at all times of life was at the heart of the announcement of this year’s City of York Council Older People’s Champion for Sport and Active Leisure.
This winner of this award, Simon Cowie, was announced yesterday evening (Tuesday 29 October) at a special presentation event with members of the Civic Party at the Mansion House.
Simon was inspired by the 50+ Games last year to return to volleyball and since then he has become a regular member of York Volleyball Club’s 3rd Team. He has attended a referees course so that he can support matches and is due to attend his coaching course later this year.
Now secretary of the club he has thrown himself back into a sport he loved and sets a great example to all members.
All eight nominees together with their nominators, were invited to the presentation, made by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell.
Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Huge congratulations go to Simon Cowie for his commitment to and participation in active leisure in York.
“All nominees – all aged over 50 – have made their mark in York in a number of different sports and physical activities including netball, bowls, badminton, tennis, swimming, volleyball, running and the HEAL (Health, Exercise, Activity and Lifestyle) programme.
“They illustrate the wide variety of great work and achievements older people make in the world of sport in York, proving that it’s never too late to become physically active. Everyone should be aiming to do just 30 minutes of physical activity a day and these nominees are an inspiration to us all!”
The other nominees were:
Maureen Wilson – nominated for her commitment to New Earswick Bowls Club and her voluntary help with the City of York Special Olympics Bowls and Boccia teams.
Janet Ivel – nominated for her contribution to netball in York through her involvement with York RI Netball Club.
Christine Atkinson – nominated for her ongoing commitment, positive attitude and fighting spirit shown whilst playing for Bishopthorpe Tennis Club.
Geoffrey Deighton – founding member of Middlethorpe Badminton Club. He was nominated for his ongoing commitment to the club over the years and his passion for the sport.
Pat Baxter – nominated for being inspirational to everyone she teaches to swim at York City Baths Club. She proves you can be an older person and still keep fit and motivate others.
Richard Smith – nominated for his outstanding commitment and passion to running in York.
Joe Todd – nominated for his commitment to using physical activity to improve quality of life whilst living with illness and inspiring others to do the same.
This is the second year of the awards, organised by City of York Council as part of its Eng-AGE programme for the over 50s.
For details of how to keep physically active in York and full information on the Eng-AGE programme for the over 50s visit the council website.
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