Following another year of success for students within the Sports department at Penwith College, the annual Sports Awards evening has returned after the pandemic.
Nadia Edyvean, Deputy Team Leader of Vocational and Commercial Skills at Penwith College, said: “It was fantastic to all get together at Senara Restaurant in our Penzance campus and celebrate both the sporting and academic achievements of the sports students this year, especially after a difficult time during the covid pandemic.
“For those students who are leaving and have exciting things ahead, we wish you the best of luck. Congratulations to all the award-winners there was some very closely contended categories and thank you for all your hard work and a spectacular year.”
The awards ceremony kicked off with the Dedication to Sport Award given to a very surprised Connor Thomas for his commitment to his Academy both in training and matches, helping out, even when injured and encouraging others.
The Outstanding Commitment Award speaks for itself and saw two Rugby Academy players, Archie Prout and Matt Randall, take away the trophy.
“Their attitude to learning and improving, both as students and athletes, was overwhelming and could not go unrecognised.”
Student of the Year Awards were given to Adrian Murley (1st Year Student of the Year) and Holly Drew (2nd Year Student of the Year) for an all-round effort in their studies, Academies, helping others and more.
Player of the Year Awards were given to a student in each of the College’s main Academy sports; Matt Wright (Basketball Academy), Daisy Leiworthy (Netball Academy), Oscar Toms (High Performance Academy) and Rosco Reid (Football Academy).
Sport at Penwith College is not just about being a sportsperson, it is about having the knowledge and theory enabling students to progress into a career. That’s why the Most Improved Award was given to Jacob Gerard for his high academic improvement throughout his time at College.
The past few years have been tough for a lot of people. Students Dylan Jones and Patrick Searle were winners of the Sunshine Award for their ability to spread cheer and happiness wherever they went.
Football Academy Coach Matt James, unexpectedly walked away from the ceremony with the ‘Fashionista Award’ for the high amount of attention taken to his appearance.
Other awards given out that evening included ‘Walking Wounded’ to Harvey Stone for receiving the most injuries; ‘Steady Eddie’ to Ryan Chetty for consistent attendance, hard work and reliability; ‘Couple of the Year’ to Jacob Gerard and Sam McGuigan because of their inseparability and finally, ‘Class Comedian’ to Tom Prowse for constantly providing humour.
The Awards dinner, after the ceremony, was held at Penwith College’s training restaurant Senara, which has recently been honoured the title of the best college restaurant in the South West after a presentation in London.
Lucy Maggs, Director of Penwith College said: “This Sports Award Ceremony is the first of a number of celebrations across the College, marking the end of the academic year. For these students in particular, it has been a very difficult time and I welcome the opportunity to let our hair down and celebrate together.”