Samworth Church Academy celebrated its annual sports awards with Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle and powerlifter Micky Yule.

Awards were given to students who have shown a special commitment or ability.
Two special awards were given to students who showed outstanding ability and attitude to their disciplines in and outside of school hours.

Kaisha Buchanan won the Rebecca Adlington Award, and Jack Halstead the Lee Westwood Award, for notable victories at county or national level.

Beth said: “It’s great to come to events like this and see all the talent coming through. The students are showing a great deal of enthusiasm, which I think is coming from the staff.

“It’s been touching to see staff receive surprise presents from the sports teams as a thank you for their efforts.”

Micky told the audience about his road to recovery through sport after losing both his legs after stepping on an IED in 2010 while serving with the Army in Afghanistan.

“I feel privileged to be here. I joined the Army when I was 17 and was injured in 2010 in Afghanistan. It was hard to get back into sport, a long journey and I couldn’t see how I was going to get back until I watch the Olympics and Paralympics and was inspired by what I saw.

“I got involved in powerlifting and was good at it. I train hard; every stage has been a challenge. All of the youngsters that are here today, I want to tell them to always give their best, do the best they can.” He went on to say that sport is a great way to build character.

“Some days you will win, and some days you won’t, but keep trying, pull together as a team and you will make friends now that will be friends for life. Sport has changed my life and is a great thing. I would encourage everyone here just to keep on going.”