Sports Personality
of the Year

I had the privilege to be invited to Torbay Sports Personality of The Year, to give a short talk to about 100 people and present some awards.
The event was held at the Old Way Mansion for Disabled, Young and Veteran Athletes and also teachers and coaching staff.

When I arrived at the mansion about 45 minutes early to make sure I was there, I was handed 100 certificates to sign for all the athletes receiving awards and also the disabled children who hosted the entertainment. I then went outside and brought in the view items from my sport (Bobsleigh). I rehearsed my talk in my head, I was nervous as could be.

The Mayor gave her opening address to the audience and then I took centre stage. My talk was to last 10 - 15 minutes but it felt like an eternity stood up there with 100 people watching you. I spoke about my personal successes and achievements and then to end it I produced my helmet, race suit, Ice spikes and runners. I then gave the audience the chance to fire some questions at me, They started off slow but then they began to flow a bit more frequently.

After my talk We moved onto the presentation of the certificates, trophies and gift vouchers who were donated by local companies. At the end of the evening people asked for photos, autographs, a go in my sled and also a look at my equipment that I had brought to show the audience. The evening was a fantastic night and I would love to be invited back again should the opportunity arise.
Thank you to all of the Organisers but most of all to the Athletes and Coaches for there hard work and success

Sports Personality
of the Year 2003