PARALYMPIAN Paul Blake handed out awards to Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers at the club’s AGM and presentation night.

Multiple winners this year were Mel Ward for the seniors and Ben Westhenry, Hannah Westhenry and Elinor Mason for the juniors. Club president Tony Faulkner first congratulated club coaches Pete Clarke and Tracy Moore on being named as Olympic torch bearers.

Faulkner also introduced Blake, who won gold in the 400m and silver in the 800m and 1,500m in the Paralympic World Championships last year and then set a world record for the 800m in his class T36 for athletes with cerebral palsy. Blake then held a question and answer session with the audience.

The Dorchester athlete explained how he started running because he was not able to ride a bike because of his illness and used to run after his siblings when they were cycling. He now trains six times a week in Bath in preparation for this summer’s Paralympics where he is one of GB’s top medal hopes. He earned his first GB vest in 2010.

Brian Copp, who has for many years presented the TG Copp Memorial Cup for overall competitor of the year, gave a short speech highighting some of the history of the cup and his own long-standing association with the Harriers.

He presented the cup to Ben Westhenry for the fifth year running for his outstanding achievement in county, national and international events. Westhenry also received a special award for outstanding achievement in recognition of his selection for GB for the European Youth Olympics, as well under-17 competitor of the year and the Dave Buck Trophy for cross country.

Younger sister Hannah was also a multiple winner, with most improved under-13 girl, best under-13 girl cross country as well as the Fred Damen Memorial Shield, also for cross country. Mason was a double award winner, gaining both best effort and most improved under-15 girl.

Mel Ward was awarded the ladies’ Road Runners Cup and a trophy as first female Harrier in the Weymouth 10. Gareth Creech was delighted to receive his first ever award, winning first male Harrier in the Weymouth 10.

Mike Smith, who has now completed 130 marathons, was male Road Runner of the Year.

Other major awards were the Sunshine Cup for dedication and enthusiasm, given in memory of young WSPH athlete Sophie Llewellyn, presented to Phoebe Barnes.

Other competitors of the year were Kai Groves, Courtney MacGregor-Smart (Under-11), Toby Manning, Savannah Evans (Under-13) and Emma Stevenson (Under-15).

Outgoing treasurer Paddy White was awarded the outstanding dedication and effort trophy.

Club chair Caroline Stevenson then made a plea for helpers at the club. WSPH is in particularly desperate need for a treasurer.

If anyone would be able to take on the role they should contact the club via the website wsphandac.co.uk/athletics/contact-us/ or telephone Jan Westhenry on 816354.