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The British Judo Association’s
Make a Difference Award has gone to Westerleigh Judokwai’s Debbie
Bartholomew-Sands.
The 42-year-old will
receive the award at the National Governing Body’s Volunteer Awards
Dinner on Saturday 2 October at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.
Debbie was nominated by
Claire Burford, a player’s parent and club volunteer while the
award winner is a senior coach, committee member and assistant
coach for Special Olympics GB.
Claire said: “Debbie is
a very special coach and has volunteered at Westerleigh for 12
years.
“She is a single mum with
three children and despite her own struggles with epilepsy she
has worked tirelessly to encourage children and adults off all
abilities to reach their potential. You can see her commitment
by the roles she holds within the sport.
Miss Sands trains players
at the club two days a week and also takes part in many fundraising
events in addition to joining Westerleigh’s players and officials
at competitions.
In her own time Debbie
has selflessly train special needs players across the continent
including trips to Slovenia, Sweden and Holland.
“Debbie shows a wonderful
balance between discipline and affection with all the players.
Westerleigh Judokwai is an all inclusive club and welcomes children
and adults of all abilities and Debbie is exemplary at this
“She is a role model for
my son who has been at the club for three years and has physical
special needs. Debbie is always fair and very supportive of my
son Joe when he has difficulty doing something but at the same
time pushes him to reach his potential.
“There is no doubt in my
mind that Debbie is very deserving of the award as she really
does make a difference to so many people’s lives, both athletes
and their families.”
Westerleigh Judokwai train
at Claverham Community College, East Sussex, TN33 0HT. Juniors
(5 – 16 years) train on Wednesday at 16:30 – 18:30 while men and
women train on Tuesday and Wednesday at 19:00 – 21:00. All members
train on Saturday at 09:00 – 12:00.
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