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The British Judo Association’s
coveted Official of the Year prize has gone to the London area’s
ever-obliging volunteer Craig Ringer.
The Barking, Essex-based
official will receive the award at the National Governing Body’s
Volunteer Awards Dinner on Saturday 2 October at the Botanical
Gardens in Birmingham.
Ringer, 48, has been
a prominent member of the London area’s operations for the past
18 months.
“Craig has been involved
with the sport for over 20 years but for the past 18 months has
taken up the mantle as the London competition coordinator in the
past eighteen months,” said his nominator Karen French, British
Judo Association’s London Development Manager.
“He’s done this as part
of the London Competition Commission and is also a member of the
London Committee.”
Craig said: “It’s so
nice to receive this award, it means so much to know a lot of
people appreciate what you do,” said Craig.
“I’m loving every minute
of the role, hence why I’m trying to do as much as I can for the
London area.
Craig has been involved
with some of British Judo’s most memorable events and relishes
the general every day work alongside the major events.
“The highlights for
me have been officiating at the 2009 World Cup, being tournament
director at the 2010 London Youth Games, and I just enjoy the
general work that the role involves.”
Karen French, herself
the cornerstone of the sport’s rising status in the capital, cites
Craig’s enthusiasm and appetite for the sport as the qualities
which make him a standout official.
“Craig works with enthusiasm
and is willing to undertake further personal training as well
becoming a tutor and mentor himself. He has also supported and
helped run various officials courses in London and the National
Home Counties.
“The London area has
organised events this year, ranging from fundamental competitions
to the Seni International and the London
Youth Games .”
The 2010 Award Winner
has also charmed people with his personality and, when called
upon, has provided support around the clock.
“Craig is a well known
friendly face on the national circuit and is supportive to other
areas events – lending a hand and supporting others to achieve
well run competitions. He understands process and the small detail
of events that need to be dealt with.
“Recently Craig has
been volunteering extra hours to help the London staff team with
judo festivals and school events on the curriculum.
Karen added: “As Development
Manager in London it is crucial that I have the support of the
local volunteers and that we have a common aim to deliver well
run structured events for London. Training of other individuals
is a must and Craig has a similar drive to achieve this.”
While earnestly fulfilling
his role and receiving rich praise from key figures in the sport,
Craig has fuelled a desire to officiate at the 2012 London Olympics.
“My goal is to officiate
at the London Olympics and continue to help the London area develop
their operations.”
Why not support the winners.
There may be a volunteer from your club so come along to the Awards
Dinner and watch them be presented with their prestigious award.
Tickets are still available to buy at a cost of £40 per person.
Alternatively, reserving a table at the BJA Awards Dinner offers
you the chance to enjoy a great night out with a group of friends.
These exclusive tables are available at a cost of £400 for a table
consisting of 10 people.
A limited number of tickets
and tables are still available and they will be allocated on a
first come first served basis. Please contact Emma Taylor at the
BJA if you wish to buy tickets or reserve a table on 01509 631673
or emma.taylor@britishjudo.org.uk
The closing date for booking
tickets is Tuesday 17th September.
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