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Celebrating Excellence in Adapted Sports: Honors Bestowed at the Variety Disability Sports Awards
The Variety Disability Sports Awards serve as a prestigious platform to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of athletes with disabilities across various disciplines, levels, and geographical areas. The event also sets the stage for recognizing the impressive feats of sporting champions competing at the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Mark Dewdney: A Beacon of Dedication in Adaptive Rowing
During an enchanting ceremony on Monday night, Mark Dewdney was honored with the American Golf Award for Unsung Hero, a testament to his unwavering commitment to adaptive rowing. Serving as the prominent Adaptive Head Coach at Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club and previously holding the position of Chairman within British Rowing’s Club Adaptive Group, Mark is a pivotal figure in this arena.
In reflection on his recognition, Mark expressed his surprise at receiving both a nomination and award. “Being acknowledged is quite unexpected,” he shared. “Many others are putting in substantial efforts within rowing; I simply happen to lead at a national level.” He emphasized that numerous individuals within this realm deserve equal recognition as ‘unsung heroes.’
A Golden Year for Team Triumphs
This year marked an exhilarating chapter for rowers Gregg Stevenson and Lauren Rowles MBE as they secured gold in PR2 Mixed Double Sculls during this summer’s Paralympics held in Paris. Their extraordinary achievement earned them the Access Card Award for Outstanding Team Achievement at this year’s Variety Disability Sports Awards.
“This year has been nothing short of thrilling,” noted Gregg after receiving their accolade alongside Lauren. “Winning this award allows us to celebrate our hard work together. Engaging with sports fosters vital social connections and friendships while enhancing self-esteem—a foundation critical not just for elite athletics but also essential life skills applicable across various pursuits like career paths or education.”
A Journey Transformed Through Support
Praising her journey fueled by early support from organizations like Variety that aided her acquisition of racing equipment 12 years ago, Lauren remarked on how pivotal these contributions were to her evolution into para-sport involvement: “That initial funding opened doors I never knew existed.” Now celebrated for her ten-year-long rowing career laden with success stories and transformative experiences alongside peers like Gregg, she articulated gratitude towards those who have offered support throughout their journeys.
“Sport isn’t just about competition; it’s about forging friendships,” Lauren added emotionally. ”Connecting with individuals who see beyond disability made my struggles feel lighter during difficult times.” Friends formed during these formative years now stand united among fellow Paralympians—a lifelong camaraderie framed around shared passion transforming lives through sport.
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The post Mark Dewdney and PR2 Mix2x Paralympic Champions Triumph at Variety Disability Sports Awards! first appeared on News Sports.
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Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-28 15:26:53
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