Recently, Somervale School celebrated its sporting elite at its first annual Sports Award Dinner, held at Farrington Golf Club. Somervale has always prided itself on recognising the importance of celebrating success throughout the academic year.
This event focussed on the school's many sporting achievements. All students at KS4 who had represented the school in a school team were invited to this prestigious event. The evening commenced with an inspirational talk by Paralympic swimmer, Kate Grey. Kate's career has spanned many years, but one of her many highlights was to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. She went on to win a Silver Medal in the 100m breaststroke and Bronze in the 100m Individual Medley at the World Championships in 2009.
All of the students received certificates for each team where they had participated, culminating in the presentation of no less than six momentous achievement awards. The 'Sports Leader of the Year Award', went to Alisha Kelsey and Jake Beale; 'Contribution to School Sport Award', went to Lydia Burge and Charlie Cook, and the final award was the 'Sports Personality of the Year Award', a large, historic Somervale shield. This was presented to George Thorner and Melissa Hughes.
The school also recognised and awarded the 'Team of the Year' with engraved medals. This went to the Year 10 football team, who have had an undoubtedly fantastic year, making it to the quarter-finals of the National Cup and being undefeated all season to win the B&NES League.
Students were said to have enjoyed the evening celebrating Somervale's sporting success and were inspired by hearing Kate Grey's inspirational life story. The school is already planning for next year's event.