“I’m delighted to see so many community sporting heroes
recognised in the New Year Honours List.”
Richard Lewis, Chair, Sport England
The New Year Honours list recognised the contributions
several sporting heroes have made to their local communities,
changing the lives of those around them.
Mavis Bent, 67, received an MBE in recognition
of her voluntary services to swimming and water polo in Greater
Manchester. A qualified assistant water polo coach, Mavis has
worked with Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club over the last 35
years, and from 1978, has aided the development of the senior water
polo team. Named president of the club in 1996, she has since
devoted her time to encouraging others to participate and take the
necessary qualifications to become coaches and officials.
Andy Wood, 49, also received an MBE for his
services to sport. Sport England nominated Andy because of his
involvement in hugely successful youth projects. Andy has visited
over 100 primary schools to introduce thousands of children to
gymnastics. Andy is manager and head coach of the Ipswich
Gymnastics Centre, which now has over 800 members and will be used
by athletes as they train for London 2012.
Also amongst those honoured was Suffolk’s Eva
Loeffler, 76, whose father founded the Paralympic Games.
Following in her father's footsteps, Eva has dedicated herself to
serving disability sport, and, as vice-president of the charity
WheelPower, is committed to enabling those with disabilities
achieve their sporting dreams.
Meanwhile Doncaster’s Dudley Fletcher, 68,
received an MBE for his services to rowing, recognising his work as
a volunteer coach, encouraging people of all ages to take up the
sport. A life-long rowing enthusiast, Dudley has established and
developed Doncaster Rowing Club’s junior programme as well as the
Doncaster Schools Rowing Association.
The Honours List also recognised the outstanding achievements of
our elite sports figures, including: gymnast Beth Tweddle; Formula
1 world champion Jenson Button; six-time world canoe champion Anna
Hemmings; former Scotland and British Lions rugby coach Ian
McGeechan; and racing manager and chairman of the Royal Yachting
Association John Derbyshire.
“I’m delighted to see so many community sporting heroes
recognised in the New Year Honours List,” said Richard Lewis, Chair
of Sport England. “In the creation of a world-leading community
sport system, we need not only to provide the facilities and
opportunities for people to take part in sport, but also to
encourage them to develop their skills and ultimately excel. At
Sport England, we’re aware of the huge role committed people play
in making this happen in every community. The honours are a fitting
celebration of the many people using sport to make a real
difference for those around them.”
Download the full
New Year Honours List