The British Wrestling community gathered in anticipation as the winners of the second British Wrestling Community Awards were announced this past Saturday.
This new annual event recognises and celebrates the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations within the wrestling community. After much deliberation and scrutiny from the panel representing the three English Regions and three Home Nations, the winners in each category have been revealed.
Club of the Year: Windsor Wrestling Club
Windsor Wrestling Club (ran by Jatinder and Oksana Rakhra) has emerged triumphant as the Club of the Year. The remarkable wrestling club has demonstrated a commitment to developing its wrestlers fundamental skills, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for wrestlers of all ages and backgrounds. Windsor Wrestling Club has proven its dedication to promoting the sport of wrestling within the community, making it a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.
Coach of the Year: Bruce Irwin
Bruce Irwin has been bestowed with the title of Coach of the Year. His positive influence and unwavering commitment to his athletes have set him apart as an exceptional mentor and guide. Bruce’s passion for wrestling has not only shaped the skills of his students but has also instilled in them a deep love for the sport. His coaching has been instrumental in the success of numerous wrestlers, including Darragh Love who has qualified for the U20 Europeans, making him a true asset to the British wrestling community.
Event of the Year: Ulster Championships
The Ulster Championships has been crowned Event of the Year. This exceptional event, which even featured traditional Irish dancers in their opening ceremony, ran by Barbarians Wrestling Club provided a platform for wrestlers from across the nations to showcase their skills and passion for the sport as well as showcasing the increasing level of wrestling in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Championships has undoubtedly set a bar for well-run competitions and left a lasting impression on both participants and spectators alike.
Junior Male Wrestler of the Year: Danoush Jowkar
Danoush Jowkar has been honoured as the Junior Male Wrestler of the Year for the second consecutive year. His exceptional talent, dedication, and determination to the sport have set him apart as a rising star in the wrestling world. Danoush’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his remarkable work ethic make him a true role model for aspiring young wrestlers across the country.
Junior Female Wrestler of the Year: Freya O’Connor
Freya O’Connor has been recognized as the Junior Female Wrestler of the Year. Her unwavering commitment and remarkable hard work the past three years have made her a standout performer in her category. Freya’s passion for wrestling and her national and international achievements make her an inspiration to young female wrestlers nationwide.
Senior Male Wrestler of the Year: Darragh Love
Darragh Love has been crowned the Senior Male Wrestler of the Year. His outstanding national and international performances and dedication to the sport have earned him this well-deserved accolade. Darragh is an asset to Northern Ireland and the GBR Development Squad and a great showcase of the increasing level of wrestling in Northern Ireland. Darragh’s commitment to excellence and his dedication to wrestling have set him apart as a true champion.
Senior Female Wrestler of the Year: Kelsey Barnes
Kelsey Barnes has been honored as the Senior Female Wrestler of the Year. Her exceptional skills, dedication, and sportsmanship have earned her this prestigious award. Kelsey’s unwavering passion for wrestling over the years and her exemplary performances at a variety of competitions ranging domestically and internationally make her a role model for female wrestlers across the nation.
Volunteer of the Year: Dave Morgan
Dave Morgan has been recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for his selfless contributions to the British wrestling community over numerous years. Dave, also known for On The Mat, has been volunteering to take photos at British Wrestling events for over 20 years! He spends countless hours travelling to national and international events to capture the important memories of the tears and smiles, to takedowns and podium photos. Dave has even been referred to as ‘British Wrestling’s superhero’
The British Wrestling Community Awards evening showcased the immense talent, passion, and dedication prevalent within the wrestling community. British Wrestling wishes to thank all of those who nominated someone for the second edition of the community awards. The nominations demonstrated some of the amazing activities going on across the United Kingdom and whilst not everyone can win an award there are many deserving of such accolades. These deserving winners have set the bar high for the future and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire the further strengthening of the sport’s future in the UK.
