Athletics NI Celebration of Our People Awards Night

 Monday 25th March saw Athletics NI Host their Celebration of our People Awards Night at the Hilton Hotel Belfast. 

 Lagan Valley AC were by far the best represented club having been shortlisted for 5 separate awards. 

 First up on the stage was Jim McKeown who was presented with the Pathway Coach of the Year Awards. This was a very well deserved award and was recognition of the fantastic work he is doing with the Lagan Valley AC Junior Endurance Squad. Jims commitment and detail to coaching is outstanding and can be seen in the fantastic results that his squad produce year on year. 

 Not content with one round of applause Jim took to the stage for a second time to accept the Junior Team of the Year award on behalf of our Junior Mens XC Team. Fresh from their Belfast Sports Junior Team of the Year Award, the squad were again recognised for their amazing achievements of winning the National Junior XC title and subsequently representing Ireland at the European Clubs XC Championships. 

 Our Founder and President John T Glover ensued the roof was raised with cheers when he was presented with the Services to Athletics Award. 

Having dedicated over 60 years to Athletics in NI as an Athlete, Coach, Official, President, Vice President, Committee Member, Photographer, Administrator and Supporter, his name is synonymous with the sport and without him Lagan Valley AC would not exist.

 Honorary Club member Liz Glover was awarded the Volunteer of The Year Award. Its hard to list the work that Liz puts into Athletics and in particular the tireless hours she spends on ensuring our amazing ANI Officials are present at each and every event. As well as being the Officials coordinator Liz is present at every track & Field Meet working the Photo Finish system and ensuring everything runs smoothly for the officials and athletes alike. 

 Our final shortlisted nomination was our Masters Track & Field Team who made the final two of the Senior Team of the Year Award but were just pipped to the line by a deserving North Belfast Senior XC Team. Our Masters accumulated 56 National Masters Championship Medals over the last 24 months which is an outstanding achievement. 

 Well done to all our winners and nominees – a great night was had by all and the club is very proud.