Posted: June 2, 2020
North Lindsey College student Gabby Welch (18) has won the AoC Sport Award for Inspirational Student of the Year!
The Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport Awards give colleges across the country the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the achievements and inspirational work of students and staff in college sport. The annual awards also represent the best approaches that colleges are adopting to ensure that every student is regularly participating in sport or physical activity.
Gabby, 18 (Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, Sport & Exercise Science student) was nominated by her tutor Alex Bromley, for being an advocate of North Lindsey College, having represented the netball team as well as attending many events supporting the College’s sport department with positivity and enthusiasm. Gabby has worked within the local council, having an impact in the community whilst also working as a gymnastics coach at Allegro Gymnastics, where she works most evenings and weekends with a range of different ages and abilities.
Gabby was highlighted as a positive promoter of the power of sport and exercise to improve people’s lives and provide opportunities to others. Gabby also works in a local primary school as a coach, coaching a variety of different sports and exercises, mainly supporting participants with the inclusivity aspect of sport, giving individuals the opportunity to participate and reap all the benefits that are attached to partaking in sport and physical activity.
Building up over 350 hours work experience, Gabby also worked in a residential home, delivering sport and exercise opportunities to individuals to improve their health and well-being. She was also successful in her application to become a ‘This Girl Can’ ambassador, where she is working with her fellow ambassadors to promote active and healthy lifestyles amongst females in the College, and the local community.
The nomination to the AoC made by Alex Bromley (Sport and Uniformed Services Tutor) who said: “Gabby is an exceptional student who demonstrates a desire to go above and beyond in everything she does. She has exemplary attendance and punctuality record from her two years studying with us. Gabby has achieved Distinctions in all assignments and has also been accepted by all Higher Education establishments that she has applied for. Academically, Gabby is achieving the best possible grades in her studies, balancing her studies alongside employment, as well as providing others with excellent sporting opportunities in order to enrich others’ lives.
“Gabby truly is an inspiration to others, and her passion for sport, exercise and enjoyment shows in everything that she does.”
Unfortunately, due to the current government restrictions, Gabby was unable to be presented with her award at the AoC Sport National Championships, although all the award winners were announced and highly commended on the AoC social media accounts and her trophy was posted out to her.
Gabby said, “It felt amazing to be nominated as the AOC inspirational student of the year and even better winning it. Winning has given me a real sense of accomplishment and reward for the effort I’ve put in over the years which wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunities given to me by the sport staff especially my tutor Alex Bromley, who nominated me for the award and also it wouldn’t of being possible without my friends and family for giving me opportunities and support throughout. I can’t wait to further my skills in the future.”