ARCHER Naomi Folkard came away with one of the top accolades at the region’s largest community sports awards ceremony.
Folkard, from Leamington, is Britain’s number one ranked recurve woman archer and was crowned Sportswoman of the Year at the tenth annual Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Sports Awards.
The awards celebrate the cream of the sporting scene across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire including those who have made a tremendous contribution to sport at all levels.
“A lot of this year has felt like a struggle but there were a number of highlights that have been really good including winning gold in the World Games and in the Marrakesh World Cup.” said Folkard.
“I always want to compete at my best and this year I became the first woman to get over 1,350 in a qualifying round. I have been wanting to do that for around seven years and I am really happy that I have finally done it.”
A total of 16 award titles were handed out on the night including categories covering both professional and amateur fields as well as recognising the young and upcoming talent of the future.
There were three other winners from Leamington and Warwick, including Gavin Kirby from Warwick who was named Young Sports Volunteer of the Year, while Impact in Warwick won Community Project of the Year for its Sky Blues in the Community work.
Kenilworth Wardens U14s football team came away with the Junior Team of the Year and manager Paul Calver said it had been an excellent season for his team.
He added: “It’s something they have worked towards for many years.
“All the hard work has paid off for them. They played in the right spirit and got the success they deserved.”
Junior Team of the Year Kenilworth Wardens U14s’ football team manager Paul Calver (left) with John Ansell. (s)
