Awards day tribute to RAF sports stars
08 March 2010
THE RAF Club in London’s Piccadilly buzzed with anticipation and excitment as the 23rd annual Combined Services Awards were held in the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and AMP Simon Bryant were also present at the event. Three entrants from the Service were up for awards, including sportswoman of the year WO Beverley Childs, triathlon stalwart.
In the sportsman of the year nomination was Sqn Ldr Tim Willis for rowing and Off Cdt Michael Masters, also in triathlon, was nominated in the sports official section.
The team of the year award had already gone to the RN swimming team, and although none of the RAF personnel won the top titles, they were presented with glass awards for their nominations.
After the awards ceremony WO Childs said: “It has just been an honour to be nominated.
“It’s taken 35 years to get a nomination, so I cannot imagine I will be getting another one, although I could go for the lifetime achievement.”
Off Cdt Masters said: “To be nominated in such esteemed company is great and for minority sports from the Service to have been chosen is excellent.
“I have at least 18 years left to win an award and I’ve already told everyone I intend to be back to win one soon.”
Sqn Ldr Tim Ellis said: “It has been a fabulous day for all concerned and a great chance to raise the profile of rowing, which is the real aim behind all this.”
