Students from Gower College Swansea have celebrated another successful sporting year with a special awards ceremony at the Tycoch Campus.
“2018/19 has seen some amazing achievements by our students across all levels of sport,” says Sports Coordinator Marc O’Kelly. “Highlights include our Premier Football squad retaining the Welsh Colleges Cup title, our Netball Academy winning the AoC Welsh League, our students bringing home three Silver medals from the AoC National Championships – in table tennis, hockey and ladies cross country – and former Level 3 student and Football Academy player Danny Williams signing to Cardiff City.”
“It’s really important to gather these students together and celebrate what has been an incredible year. We are really proud of their achievements – they’ve been fantastic ambassadors for the College and we will be watching with great anticipation and pride as they develop their sporting careers both at home and overseas.”
Among the individual winners were:
International student Jarrett Zhang, who was presented with the Elite Athlete Programme Performer of the Year for his table tennis achievements by College Sports Co-ordinator Marc O’Kelly
Saadia Abubaker, who received the Gareth Jenkins Award for Sports Volunteer of the Year from former student and Grand Slam winning Ospreys star Nicky Smith. Saadia received this special award for her tireless work in promoting sport within BME groups in the Swansea area.
Tomos Slade, who was presented with the Sportsman of the Year Award by Jeremy Cooper. Tomos captained the College squad in the County Athletics tournament whilst also captaining his country in an International match versus England. He is also the Welsh Champion U20 at 60m and 110m hurdles.
Lauren Francis, who was presented with the Sportswoman of the Year Award for her performance in the GCS Netball Academy team which recently won the Welsh League, as well as her superb record in Welsh Colleges and Wales U17 in Netball Europe. The award was presented to Lauren by former student Alex Callender who, since leaving College, has played international rugby for Wales Women in the Six Nations tournament.
Harri Lawson and Taylor Evans, who both received their Welsh Colleges Football Caps from Academy Coach Andrew Stokes.
Gower College Swansea’s sports academies enable students to gain the best academic qualifications while perfecting their sporting skills by allowing them to incorporate elite sport and fitness training into their learning experience.
The college also offers a sports scholarship programme which provides financial and holistic support to students who demonstrate exceptional ability within one of the academy sports.
ENDS
Photos: Peter Price Media