2008 Awards  

On Saturday 18th October 2008 at the inaugural induction of members to the Hall of Fame held at the Motorcycle Museum adjacent to the NEC in Birmingham,  celebrities and dignitaries of the sport of athletics gathered to make 12 awards for services to various aspects of our sport. The ceremony saw 200 people including Olympic athletes gathering to mark the annual awards and inaugural England Athletics Hall of Fame event. The attendees included Dorothy Tyler who was the first British woman to win an Olympic medal (taking silver in the high jump in 1936 and then again in 1948), 1968 Olympic 400m hurdle champion David Hemery, 100m Paralympic gold medallist from Atlanta David Holding, 1992 Olympic 400m hurdle champion Sally Gunnell, 1964 Olympic 800m champion Ann Packer and double Olympic medallist Darren Campbell.
Much of the work done in athletics is carried out by volunteers, whether this is coaching, officiating, or helping out in the clubs and competitions throughout England. So while athletes were among those to receive awards at the ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum the event was an important occasion for recognising the vitally important work done by these people.
As well as rewarding the outstanding contributions made to athletics by each of the winners the awards also signify the importance to the sport of the contributions made by many individuals, clubs and groups within each category.

The top award was given for Services to Athletics which went to Wilf Paish. Wilf has had an influence which has extended far beyond the many athletes he has coached. He has influenced many coaches through his direct involvement, books and articles. Wilf has mentored new coaches and given wise advice to experienced ones. He has supported many athletes through their transition from junior to senior athletics. The athletes he has coached include Peter Elliott and Tessa Sanderson but many, many others have benefitted from his wisdom over the years.

For Services to Disability Athletics, the recipient was Orwell Panthers Chairman, Mike Oakley. The citation included "Mike has helped to found Orwell Panthers and works to ensure everyone involved in disability athletics receive the support and help he can give whether they are an athlete, coach or parent."

In addition, whilst Mike was receiving his award on stage, from legendary sprinter Darren Campbell, high praise was given for the website which Mike has been developing.

Mike is very honoured to receive the award and acknowledges the hard work of all his colleagues in Orwell Panthers and indeed the very hard work of his dear friend, the late Sandra Cheatham. It is typical of Mike that he was more excited to be sharing a table with 3 times Paralympic Club throwing Champion, Stephen Miller. Stephen won silver in Beijing, his first defeat in 12 years.

Orwell Panthers AC is proud of its Chairman but even more proud that National recognition is being given to our wonderful athletics club.

Full details of all the recipients can be found at:

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Lis is "Newcomer to Officiating" for England Athletics - East Region

Congratulations to Lis Henderson who was awarded first place in the "Newcomer to Officiating" category at the Annual Awards Evening of England Athletics - East Region in Cambridge on 20th September.

After an incredible first full year of officiating, at a Panther training session just before Christmas 2008, Paul Rutter and Mike Oakley, the Panthers' two senior Field Judges, presented Lis with an award for best newcomer to officiating in Orwell Panthers AC. Hoping that the award will help Lis to keep her feet firmly on the ground she received a magnificent pair of designer slippers by ES of Carlisle.

Pictured here with her award Lis has certainly earned the congratulations of her peers.