|
Welsh Mason Neil Smith, from Newport,
has won a prestigious national award for
coaching and encouraging disabled riders to
the top of the sport of cycling by spending
many hours at the trackside of the Welsh
National Velodrome.
He was awarded the Sports Council for
Wales Coach of the Year Award for 2006 in
the Disabled Sports People: Performance
category, and was presented with his award
in Cardiff by Alun Pugh AM, Minister for
Culture, Welsh Language and Sport in the
Welsh Assembly.
Neil, a telecommunications operations
director, is a Past Master of Lodge of
Concord No. 9010, Province of
Monmouthshire, and the Lodge has been
giving its backing to his efforts by donating
£1,000 towards purchasing a tandem for
visually impaired riders.
Among Neil’s achievements is seeing
Jody Cundy win two Paralympic gold
medals, breaking two UCI world records
and become the UCI world champion over
one kilometre.
Neil commented: “I think seeing Jody at
the World Cup in Manchester was the
greatest thing for me.” In addition, he has
helped Welsh juniors Nathan Tyrell and
James Brookman to the top in their
respective disciplines in Great Britain.
Sports minister Alun Pugh said:
“Without the valuable contribution of
coaches, both professional and communitybased,
we would not be able to fulfil the
aspirations of Climbing Higher, our sports
and physical activity strategy.”
The official award citation said: “Neil has
mentored and encouraged athletes to some
of the greatest Paralympic heights in British
cycling. His cyclist, Jody Cundy, has
benefitted from Neil’s excellent coaching
and feels that Neil has been paramount in
his transition from Paralympic swimmer
to cyclist.
“Neil has provided the skill,
encouragement and leadership in the lead up
to competitions which has helped Jody to
win two IPC Paralympic Gold Medals, two
UCI World Records and become IPC
World Record holder in the 1km Sprint.
“He spends many hours a week coaching
at Newport, where he not only coaches
Jody, but lends his experience and
knowledge to a squad that includes Nathan
Tyrell and James Brookman – two talented
Welsh Juniors who are number one in Great
Britain. Neil is a fantastic coach and a great
motivator who cares passionately for his
individual riders.”
It is a tribute to Neil that he should have
won such a prestigious national award
arising out of his part-time work for disabled
people who want to enjoy their sport.
Neil Smith (right) receiving his
award from Welsh Assembly Sports
Minister Alun Pugh
|
Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
Web site created by Mark Griffin
|
|
Next Page