One of the highlights of the English basketball calendar, the Annual Volunteer Awards Function, was held for the seventh time on Saturday 15 September at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham.

 

The event provides an opportunity to honour and recognise those people who volunteer their services on a local, regional and national scale throughout England. 

 

The full list of Awards Finalists as well as the 2012 Winners are outlined below.

 

Harry Errington Award

Volunteer Administrator of the Year – Ian Lloyd (Padgate)presented by Anne Baverstock, Brighton Phoenix

 

Ian's work with his local club has seen them with no less than nine teams for the upcoming season. "The club has grown in the last 12 months in no small part due to Ian's commitment, management and persistence in supporting and dveloping the members. The Year 10 and 11 players are committed to developing the younger players, mirroring Ian's dedication and passion in the club."

 

John Sage AwardVolunteer Coach of the Year – Kelvin Facey (NASSA) presented by Stephen Pearl, Southend Swifts

 

Kelvin is a regular face at junior final fours with his successful NASSA teams, but he wasn't nominated for his on-court success: "Coach Facey is an outstanding leader, coach, team-mate, friend, father, competitor and is an overall person of character, integrity, dedication, attention to detail and very hard work. He is the reason why the young people of Newham want to play basketball."

 

KK Mitchell Award

Volunteer Official of the Year – Marilyn Ward (Brightlingsea Sledgehammers) presented by Grace Jacca, National League official

 

Marilyn has been a table official for nearly 40 years having entered the sport through meeting her now husband George. She is still a very active official and dedicates a lot of her time to mentor up and coming table officials in the Essex and Suffolk area.

 

Pete Jacques AwardVolunteer Court Announcer of the Year – Nigel Cash and Steve Williams (England Basketball)Presented by Pauline Jacques

 

Nigel and Steve are regular volunteers at major England Basketball events with Steve organizing the music and Nigel announcing the games. Having met through basketball in Derby, the pair took up the challenge of announcing games at Moorways and their professional and skilful approach has seen them recognised by being asked to help out at many events.

 

Brian Dobson AwardVolunteer Team Manager of the Year – Karen Perrier (Brighton Cougars) Presented by Emily Clarke, team manager England U18 Men

 

As well as her club duties, Karen is also team manager for the South East Regional U13 Boys team and was praised in her nomination for the quality of the work that she does in those roles. "Karen personifies the volunteer ethic at its highest standard. She is a leader and a worker; she wants the best for young people and goes beyond expectations to make it happen; she takes on her role and supports coaches in theirs."

 

Young Volunteer of the Year – Amy Linton (Ipswich)

Presented by Sadie Mason, team manager England U18 Women

 

As well as still playing for Ipswich, Amy has helped coach the East U13 girls team, her school's team and the club's community sessions and was one of the attendees of the inaugural England Basketball Young Coach Academy. "I cannot think there will be many young people that have volunteered across such a broad spectrum within basketball, across coaching, refereeing and officiating. She has helped local primary school children, through to local sixth form/college students up to parent's participation coaching and officiating."

 

Young Volunteer Coach of the Year – Jake Chidgey (Bridgwater Bucaneers) Presented by Matt Newby, team leader England 3x3 Men

 

As well as coaching the junior members of the club, Jake is also a major member of the club's committee, with his energy and enthusiasm hepling to drive the club forward. His moninator was keen to point out that he wasn't nominated for his natural ability to relate with the players or for his can do attitude or for his skill in coaching the young players. He was nominated for his ability to build on the players' confidence and self esteem and for his infectious passion and enthusiasm for the game.

 

Club Volunteer of the Year – Steve Braker (Nottingham Hoods) Presented by Ken Charles, Preseident Emeritus England Basketball

 

As well as being team manager for the senior team, Steve also organises fund raising events, referees, produces programmes and does stats. "Steve works tirelessly supporting the club in his duties. Without Steve we would struggle to provide the team with support."

 

Volunteer Family of the Year – The Lambros family (Kingston Wildcats)

Presented by David Meli, Sport England

 

Andy and Claire Lambros have six children but still manage to be heavily involved in basketball. Four of the children play and are also officials - either refereeing or on the table. Last season Andy took the lead in organising Surrey girls training at U13, U15 and U17 levels and also a Surrey County Cup for girls teams, with the remainder of the family playing, officiating or being the official photographer.

  

 

Peter Dyke

Peter has been the registrar for the London region for 30 years and it is a role that he carries out in an efficient and cheerful manner. He is also instrumental in helping clubs in the region with the provision of table officials and referees.

 

Peter Viles

Peter has spent the majority of his life donating his time and energy to basketball in the Nottingham region. He is currently chairman of the Sherwood League, representative of the league on the Nottingham Basketball Association and is still organising courses in the region.

 

Full list of Finalists - 2012 England Basketball Volunteer Awards

 

Nominee	Nominating Club (if applicable)
Anne Baverstock	Brighton Phoenix
Steve Braker	Nottingham Hoods
Nigel Cash	England Basketball
Jake Chidgey	Bridgwater Bucaneers
Peter Dyke	Haringey Angels
Chris Giles	Guildford Heat
Brad Hampson	Space Invaders
Rida Iqbal	Northants
The Lambros Family	Kingston Wildcats
CJ Lee	Solent Suns
Amy Linton	Ipswich
Ian Lloyd	Padgate
Karen Perrier	Brighton Cougars
Peter Viles	Nottingham Association
Marilyn Ward	Brightlingsea Sledgehammers

 

Please see the next issue of England Basketball newsletter, Zone Press, and our facebook page for more photographs.