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Awards night 2024

Tuesday 19th November 2024

PLATF9RM, the lovely office and events space next to Hove Town Hall, once again played host to the annual Phoenix Awards Night this year. Nominations had been reviewed by the board, who considered the merits of individual performances, commitment to training and to the club, and attitude towards the sports of running and multisports.  In an Olympic year, it was expected that some of our awards would celebrate our very own Olympians, but there was stiff competition across all ages and events and in all categories, once again illustrating the range and depth of talent and commitment within the club.  It was particularly pleasing to note the achievements of the younger members of the club and this was reflected in the awards for our teams and coaches.

Full list of winners and nominations

The evening began with a thank you from the family of Robbie Fitzgibbon for the support of the club and its members since Robbie's untimely passing last month.  Robbie won the 'best comeback' trophy last year and in his honour, this trophy was retired to stay with his family and replaced with a new one awarded to this year's winner.  We were also able to present a cheque from 'Phoenix Bank' for £3000 raised at the club's summer 10k to representatives from the Clocktower Sanctuary, as well as thank all those involved in organising this event.

Not only did we see the strength of the club in its sporting achievements, we also witnessed the close teamwork and commitment of the Phoenix board.  Unfortunately club Chairman, Mike Townley, who was due to present the awards, had a bike accident earlier in the day, but in true Phoenix style, the rest of the team pressed on, with Vice-Chair Josh Guilmant stepping into the MC role at last minute.  

Josh welcomed Olympic bronze Medalist Toby Harries to the stage, who gave an account of his run up to Paris, and also brought his medal to inspire our young athletes. Toby then continued to help present the evening's awards alongside our captains and coaches.  Truly an honour for this year's winners.

With thanks to Stephen Gambie, we were able to see pictures of our winners in action on the big screen, as well as the reasons for their nominations, and Lance Bellers was able to catch the moments of the presentations on film on the evening.

Of course, as always in a club, especially one with international athletes with training and racing commitments, not all the winners were able to be there, but nevertheless the evening was enjoyed by many club members; nominees, winners and friends.  The food (Gyros by FIKA and baked treats by Brown Sugar Bites) and the beer (Larrikin) was provided by Phoenix members and the atmosphere that everyone brought with them was one of congeniality.  We would expect nothing less from our club!

Congratulations to all nominees and winners, thank you to EVERYONE involved in putting together the event, and the only thing left is to wish all club members a successful and injury free coming year of training and racing, and our club Chairman a speedy recovery.

With thanks to;

• Hildi Mitchell write up and awards coordination
• Stephen Gambie for design work and presentation
• Mike Scofield for online ticketing
• Tom Hooper, Coaches and Board for awards selection administration
• Lance Bellers for photography
• The Team at PLATF9RM for hospitality and friendly service
• Austen Hunter of Larrikin brewing
• Holly Boddy of FIKA cafe
• Jess Stribbling of Brown Sugar Bites
• Josh Guilmant for light humour and hosting
• The Phoenix Board