I came back to work after the summer holidays to 1,000 plus emails and was quickly deleting or blocking them. I saw one which started ‘Dear Sue, Hope you are well’ and I just presumed it was a circular so I deleted it. As it was disappearing I noticed, by sheer luck, Ignition was mentioned so I quickly retrieved it from the ‘trash’. I read the email, properly this time, and discovered Ignition had been shortlisted for Team of the Year by the DSSA (Derbyshire School Sports Association) and we were invited to attend an Awards Evening. I am not going to lie my eyes filled with tears, I was so happy and very proud. I was informed that I could only take 10 members of the team so to make it fair, it was literally names ‘in a hat’ (or jug in our case).
The following day I received another email informing me that I had been nominated and shortlisted for Adult Volunteer of the Year in Derbyshire and for once in my life, I was speechless.
Vicky Mullis and I were interviewed by Nikki Sargeson, from Derbyshire Sports Association, it was nerve wracking with a camera pointing at you but Nikki soon put us at ease. After the interview the cheerleaders were filmed practicing their stunts and routines, they had a thoroughly good time. Nikki asked if Ignition would like perform on the night but with only half the team and two sessions to practice, the pressure was on.
The Awards Evening arrived and everyone was excited. Ignition opened the evening with their routine and they were amazing, I think they shocked a lot of the audience with their gymnastic skills and stunts as there were lots of gasps.
I was shocked, honoured and proud to be awarded the Adult Volunteer award, I really did not expect it. If it wasn’t for the enthusiasm of the children I wouldn’t be what I am today. We make each other stronger, more determined to achieve our goals and certainly more confident, I hope I have helped each and every one of them to believe in themselves as much as they have helped me.
I am also proud to announce that Ignition was highly commended for Team of the Year.
We all had a fantastic evening and the children were a credit to their parents, to school and to themselves, it was an honour to have them by my side.
One question remains though, how and where did they get the photograph of the adult team I train with, it’s a mystery to me.