Two local representatives figure in the eighth Essex Sports Coach of the Year awards.

The awards, sponsored by Essex County Council, M and G Investments, Sports Coach UK and Essex Active Sports, are designed to honour those who make a significant conbtribution to coaching by giving up their time to help others achieve success in sport.

Local winners are Chalkwell based Ian Gummery, of the Team Viper Triathlon Club, who is named in the male of female coach coaching junior competitors section.

And Billericay's Helen Letch is named in the section for the young person 18 or under who contributes to coaching as a coach/leader/helper. She has connections with both cricket and netball.

Chairman of Essex County Council Anthony Peel will be hosting the awards evening at the Essex Record Office this Friday.

The winning coaches will receive a commemorative certificate, £200 towards coach education courses and/or resource materials and an individual subscription to Sports Coach UK for one year.

Said Mr Peel: "This is our opportunity to thank all the coaches who contribute so much to the success of Essex sportsmen and women in the county.

"We all know that this does not happen overnight. It takes years of dedication and skill to achieve this standard of excellence and we are very grateful for for those who take on the task."

Published Monday, April 7, 2003

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