As 2019 headed to a close, two of Newark Amateur Boxing Club’s rising stars found themselves centre stage at Newark Rugby Club on Thursday 5 December.
Broadcast live by Radio Newark*, the third and final night celebrating the Active4Today Newark & Sherwood Sports Awards saw both Sam Hardy and Chloe Davies shortlisted in the Warwick Lane Junior Sportsperson of the Year category, with the award presented to 13-year old Sam by Warwick’s father, Richard Lane.
And at the end of the evening the two young amateur boxers were joined at the podium by Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden, whose name was added to the Roll of Honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sporting community.
“This is a fantastic achievement, for the hard work and dedication that Dean has given over many years,” said Alexis Knock, Active4Today’s Director of Communities. “He is a fantastic role model, encouraging people of all ages to be active and achieve great success on a national and international stage.”
“What a fantastic night for us, with two of the three finalists in the Junior Sportsperson of the Year category coming from Newark ABC,” commented Dean.
“Sam and Chloe are great ambassadors for us, not only here in the district but further afield. From fighting on our own Home Shows to making their mark at national level in the England Boxing National Schools Championships and, in Sam’s case representing his country in the European Boxing Championships as well, they’re great role models for their fellow NABC members and have done both themselves and the club proud.”
“As for my own award, that came as a complete surprise – I thought I’d just been invited along to support Sam and Chloe! Thank you to everyone for all the compliments paid to me on Thursday evening and on social media afterwards but it goes without saying that I couldn’t do what I do without the backing of my whole team.
“Since Chad and Regis both made the switch to pro boxing and are also part of the coaching staff at Newark ABC, the amateur scene here has never been so busy.
“What’s great is that we can give the youngsters coming through the club a road map to boxing for England and representing their country at the Olympics and in the World and European Championships. And when they want to switch to the professional ranks, we can now offer them that progression within the same centre right here at Suggy’s Gym.”
*Follow the links to hear the podcasts of the live broadcast from the ceremony at Newark Rugby Club on Thursday 5 December, featuring Sam and Chloe in Part 1 and Dean in Part 2…
SUGGY'S GYM 
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