AN INSPIRATIONAL Okehampton sports coach has won a top accolade for her dedication in helping encourage young people to take up sport.
Sue Yelland has been working with OCRA and primary schools in the Okehampton area for a number of years, organising several different sports activities, including football, netball, hockey, tag rugby and swimming.
Sue?s dedication was acknowledged at the Devon Sports Awards last week where she won the Services to Sport in Education (Female) of the Year award.
Rosemary Cawsey, PE co-ordinator at Okehampton Primary School paid tribute to Sue: ?She has given all her time so enthusiastically for a range of sports.
?The children absolutely adore her and always have good fun.?
Mrs Cawsey said Sue?s help was ?tremendous? and she was always ready to turn her hand to almost any sport or game.
?The hours she puts in cannot be repaid.?
As well as taking a number of after-school clubs, Sue often goes on to take evening sports activities organised by OCRA as well.
Okehampton Primary School headteacher Brian Cunningham also paid tribute to Sue?s sporting enthusiasm: ?It is good for her and for
Okehampton. She is just a star.?
Mr Cunningham said Sue came into his primary school and others in the area to organise different sports activities for children during lunch breaks as well as running a number of after-school activities.
Stuart Lord, of OCRA, wrote in his letter of nomination: ?Sue Yelland has for many years been fundamental to the sporting experience of children and young people in the area, across a wide variety of sports.
?Sue works tirelessly in six local primary schools, offering sports sessions that keep the children coming back week in week out.
?These children are encouraged and supported by her experience and cheerfulness. Many a teacher has passed comment on how her sessions attract those that haven?t in the past taken to sport.?
Sue?s biggest sporting passion is football. She currently has 40 girls at under 12 and under 14 level coming to coaching session, coaches Okehampton Argyle Junior football teams and works with Okehampton Ladies.
Sue was nominated by several people from the Okehampton area who thought her voluntary efforts deserved special recognition.
The Devon Sports Awards are organised by Devon County Council and were this year hosted by Torbay Council. Executive member for the Environment, Cllr Colin Charlwood, said: ?We had a huge number of nominations, and the judges had a very difficult task in shortlisting from the excellent candidates put forward.?
The awards presentation took place at Paignton Zoological and Botanical Gardens last Thursday.
The ceremony was attended by more than 140 people from across the whole county.
There were 20 award winners in total, covering ten categories for coaches, volunteers and officials. Those attending were lucky enough to meet and listen to Karen Ousey, the three times World Thai Kick Boxing Champion.