News
Richmond Volleyball nominated for top London Youth Games award
25th Sept 2009
Richmond Volleyball Club one of three sports clubs & organisations has been shortlisted for the 'London Youth Games Community Partner' award. Two years ago the club received funding from Kingston Council to develop the club at Kingston College and introduce the game to Kingston secondary schools. This year, saw a thriving inter borough competition and the winners went on to compete against Richmond schools.
Approached to take on the Kingston team for the London Youth Games, the coaching pair of David Rijivers and Vera Kenyon, despite having limited time for more coaching on top of prior commitments agreed without a second thought. Saturday mornings became a free opportunity for LYG Kingston hopefuls to practice their skills each week with the coaching duo. At times working with complete beginners (in the girls instance) no task was too big, their enthusiasm, dedication and passion for the sport made Kingston athletes truly believe they could compete against the best in London.
Richmond Volleyball Club developed a team spirit among the teams which ultimately saw them finish sixth for the girls and ninth for the boys. The winner of the award will be announced during tomorrow during the awards evening. The special ceremony – being held at the Room by the River on the Southbank - will recognise the various contributions made by people and partners such as Richmond Volleyball Club during the last 12 months and will witness the launch of our Hall of Fame to celebrate the contribution the London Youth Games have made to the careers of some of London's most successful sports stars.
Discussing the forthcoming evening, Anthony Kendall, Chairman of the London Youth Games, said: "Each year the Games act as a springboard for some of London's finest sporting talent and no of this would be possible without the dedication of partners such as Richmond Volleyball Club. "Together with our sponsor, Balfour Beatty, I am pleased we can recognise these outstanding contributions to youth sport in the Capital.” The following athletes will be inducted in recognition of their world-class achievements: • Christine Ohuruogu (Athletics) - competed in Netball and Athletics at the Games for Newham has won Olympic and World Championship Gold at 400m. Luol Deng (Basketball) competed for Croydon at the London Youth Games before embarking on a successful NBA career where he now captains the Chicago Bulls • Linford Christie (Athletics) – represented Hammersmith & Fulham in the first ever Youth Games and won Olympic 100m Gold in Barcelona • Steve Backley (Athletics) - competed for Bexley before picking up Olympic Medals in successive Games • Dervis Konuralp (Swimming) competed for Greenwich in disability swimming has won multiple major championships in visually impaired swimming • Mark Hunter (Rowing) - competed for Havering at the London Youth Games won Gold at the Olympics in Beijing.
Prominent figures from the world of sport and politics including Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell MP and Kate Hoey MP will attend the celebrations.
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