The last few years have seen the Trustees consider the achievements of our members shown on social media and in the Blerb, with a view to selecting an annual Achiever for our prestigious award. Winners the last few years have included Garrett Eeles, Jamie Watson and Teigan Woollett.
This year has continued to be a challenge to everyone with Covid-19 and restrictions yet we are amazed at our younger members who continue to throw themselves in to their interests and hobbies, having fun along the way whilst showing their determination to succeed.
As a result, the Trustees have struggled to pick one achiever this year … every one of our members featured on our social media and in the newsletter are worthy winners but there are 2 who have stood out to us and we have therefore decided to celebrate them both.
We are therefore delighted to announce that our Young Achiever Winners of 2022 are Bobby Richards and Elana Kotei.
It isn’t unusual for parents to post pictures on our social media of achievements and for those to feature in the newsletter but, over the last year, this young man has appeared again and again highlighting his determination at everything he sets his mind to.
Proud Mum Ceri has shared Bobby playing in goal for his local football team and achieving Man of the Match – making some great one handed saves.
He was also chosen by Liverpool FC disabled association to watch the Liverpool v Porto Champions league game in the hospitality lounge.
Bobby then received an award for his keyboard playing skills – his music teacher stated ‘Bobby, you have made a fantastic start to learning the keyboard. You have worked through the keyboard book 1 remarkably quickly. You are very good at reading the music and seem to have understood everything that we have covered so far. You are obviously practising at home as you are improving every week and you also work really hard in your lessons every week. I am really pleased with your progress so far, so well done, keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you continue to improve’.
All of this at age 8, with right Erb’s – well done!
Back in November, Mum Sarah told of us 9-year-old Elana taking part in her first club swimming competition showing confidence, strength and courage being the only disability swimmer against all able bodied competitors. Even when a full length behind, she did not give up and kept going to complete the 100m individual medley, with the whole crowd cheering her on.
She achieved 2 silver medals over 3 races.
Swimming in the pool 5 times a week, Elana then went on to compete in her second set of 3 races – this time she achieved Gold in the 100m backstroke.
A disability certificate is in place to enable exceptions to the rules based on her abilities – for example, one arm fly instead of 2 arms.
Then came her first Gala, competing against 7 other clubs taking Bronze in 100m Medley, knocking 16 seconds of her previous and a further 8 seconds off her breaststroke time.
Having registered with British Para Swimming Association, and having attended her first para training camp and event (achieving 2 more silver medals!) Elana’s dream is to be classified and become a British Paralympic Swimmer.
Well done Elana – we wish you all the best!
