Students from Gower College Swansea have celebrated another successful sporting year with a special awards ceremony at the Liberty Stadium.
“2017/18 has seen some amazing achievements by our students across all levels of sport,” says Curriculum Leader Marc O’Kelly. “Highlights include our First X1 Football team retaining the Welsh Cup after beating Coleg Llandrillo 5-0, our Women’s’ Rugby Academy winning the U18s Ospreys cup to go alongside their Welsh Colleges victory and our Netball Academy - winners of a Swansea Sports Award – taking part in the Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay in Swansea.”
“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 both at home and overseas.”
Among the individual winners were:
Sportswoman of the Year Alex Callender - Wales U21 Netball and Welsh Colleges Rugby International. Scholarship student Alex, alongside teammate Niamh Terry, recently took home a Bronze medal at the National AoC Championships.
“Alex is a very dedicated and committed young lady who always strives to achieve her best in everything she applies herself too,” says lecturer Sarah Lewis. “This is evident in her sporting achievements where she has not only represented Wales in netball but also as Vice-Captain for the Scarlets. Alex is also part of the West Wales Performance Hub Squad, U18 West Wales Squad, Gower College Swansea Netball Academy, Welsh Colleges select team and a local netball team based in Swansea and Llanelli.”
Sportsman of the Year Patrick Langdon-Dark won the 2017 U18 UK Night Surf competition in Newquay, has represented Wales at senior level in the European Championships and has been dubbed the ‘UK's hottest future surfing talent’ after being crowned UK Pro Surf Tour champion at U18 Level.
“In between trips to California, Portugal, France, Spain and Norway, Patrick has worked hard alongside his supportive teaching team to keep up with his college work and is in line to complete his Sport Science qualification in June,” says Learning Area Manager Marcus Westmoreland.
Patrick, the recipient of a Gower College Swansea sports bursary, hopes to become a full time member of the World Surf League tour once he finishes his qualifications
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.
The College has produced sports players now known around the world – in fact, anyone watching the recent Commonwealth Games on television would have spotted former student Jazz Carlin (representing GB in swimming and flying the flag), Beth Bingham (hockey) and Justin Tipuric (Rugby 7s).
ENDS
Photos: Peter Price Media