Not one but three winners!

Sandra and Ken Wheatley, and Alan Ronxin.

Sandra and Ken

Sandra and Ken are the silent people behind the scenes of the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club.  Always there to provide support at anything the club does, be it fundraising events such as the half marathon water station, baking cakes and running refreshments at the open days or by providing manual support.

Especially, in the last 18 months when of course the club had to clear out of Greenfields and move items to Maufant and subsequently to Fort Regent, Ken spent many hours assisting in setting up the equipment and providing the manpower.

Sandra was also with us for the day when we moved out of Greenfields and gradually cleaned the hall as the removal men cleared it. They have been involved in the gym club for many years and are the backbone of the club and always go the extra mile.

Alan Ronxin

Alan plays such a crucial part in the Wheelchair basketball program delivery. Simply put, without him it could not continue. His diligence to ensuring our equipment is in the best condition it can be is unrivalled. All done with a smile too. Alan also relishes the opportunity to referee when able to.

The incomparable Jeannine Carey has become the 2022 Unsung Hero.

Jeannine is a part of so many people’s lives; she gives up so much of her own time to work with and give people the opportunity

to take part on sports, events and occasions they wouldn’t have the chance to otherwise.

Having stepped into lead with the gym club over the last few months, Jeannine has done a terrific job in keeping things going and getting the club to a UK competition against the backdrop of losing their training facilities.

We all know that Jeannine is an absolute cornerstone of JSAD and, as our chairman once famously remarked: "Heaven knows what we would do without her."

Enough said!

Alan Ronxin is the Unsung Hero of 2021.

A very longstanding member of JSAD, Alan takes great pride in his work behind the scenes with the wheelchair side of our activities, but he is also there to support all our sportsmen and women.

It would be very easy for Alan’s tireless efforts to go unnoticed, so he richly deserves this award.

Alan was presented with the trophy by Sam Walker, Howard Walker's daughter, at the Hotel Ambassadeur.

The 2019 Unsung Hero award, now in its seventh year, was won by Trudi Gallichan, in recognition of more than 20 years service with the JSAD.

She continues to help in many different ways, both up front and behind the scenes. In particular, her work as marathon controller each year has been absolutely invaluable.

Trudy also has a great many contacts who she uses to assist and support the JSAD when required.

Another popular winner on the night was Sally Ahier.

Sally often "flies under the radar", but for years she has helped out at Gateway on a Thursday night and at a variety of JSAD events.

She's also been a regular at committee meetings. Though she is now stepping back from her JSAD commitments, she deserves to be honoured for her massive contribution over the years.

Samantha Walker presented the award.

The other nominations for this award were:
 

Alan English (Hon Treasurer)

Alan Ronxin (Wheelchair Sport)

Simon Larbalestier (Wheelchair Sport and Special Olympics)

Dave Ware is the latest Unsung Hero.

He's been the backbone of Centre Club, (formerly Gateway) for 40 years, and is always there, come rain or shine, on a Thursday night, and at many events throughout the year.

Quite simply, Centre Club would not be the same without him, and at 80 years young, Dave still puts our members first.

Sadly, Dave was unable to be at the Merton Hotel to receive his award from Samantha Walker, but Tina Ware and Hazel Copp did the honours.

The other nominations for this award were Alan Ronxin (Wheelchair Sport) and Alan English (Honorary Treasurer).