By Haydn Cobb
The University of Brighton Sports Awards 2013 saw a celebration of success at Winter Gardens in Eastbourne.
Guest of honour Ben Hawes, who competed at London 2012 as part of Team GB men’s hockey team, was given a voluptuous reception from the 150+ attendees. Hawes, who is part of the Brighton University Alumni, told the crowd about his time at the Olympics and anecdotes about his time at University.
One particular story which stood out was when the British hockey team visited 10 Downing Street after the London Olympics, only to chase the prime minister’s cat whilst David Cameron watched Andy Murray win the US Open.
After Hawes had delighted the audience it was the turn of Student Union President Jacob Kahane and VP Activities and Events Holly Kavanagh to present the awards.
Half colours went to Max Wicks for boxing who unfortunately was not able to attend. David Coleman received full colours for a silver in the Discus at the Universities athletics championship held at the London Olympic Stadium. Coleman has now gone on to a different sport entirely by competing for Great Britain in Bobsleigh and has ambitions to be at the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014. He returned shortly after to pick up his second award of the night for Outstanding Achievement after his success in Bobsleigh.
Cat Lee was given the Administrator of the Year gong for her terrific work for women’s hockey.
A surprised Martin Rake won Volunteer of the Year for his efforts as a coach for the women's basketball team. Rake, who was only found out that he was attending the event on Tuesday said it was a total shock.
Coach of the year went to boxing’s Adam Haniver who had won the same award two year ago. Haniver has lifted the club to become the top BUCS University club for 2013. Haniver claimed he was surprised to be lifting the award again and wanted to focus on the team as a whole.
He said, “I am surprised to be fair because we were really focusing on the teams achievements this year. We have gone from strength to strength over the past few years in terms of participation which is fantastic.”
Finally the two major awards were hotly contested after a huge amount of successes in different sports. The Brighton Alumni sponsored Club of the Year Award was given to Cheerleading (pictured) after they won their national competition and have been invited to compete in America next year. This was alongside some outstanding community engagement within local schools promoting cheerleading.
Team of the year was given to Men's Futsal 1sts after their continued achievements and are rated as one of the best futsal sides in the country.
Futsal 1st team member Jack Butterfield said, “We are absolutely buzzing every single one of those guys is outstanding. To rise to the top after coming from nothing four years ago and to win team of the year is unbelievable.”