RAF Akrotiri named Central Fund Station Award winners at 2023 RAF Sport Awards

The best and the brightest stars in RAF Sport headed to Halton House last week to celebrate another incredible year of achievement at the RAF Sport Awards. The awards are an opportunity to recognise and commemorate success across the Service, including individuals, teams, officials, and administrators. Presenting this year’s awards was Head of RAF Sport, Air Vice-Marshal Ian ‘Cab’ Townsend CBE MA RAF who, alongside being a distinguished aviator, is a keen advocate of sport as demonstrated in his role as a Rugby Union referee for the RAF and Buckinghamshire.

For the second year, the RAF Central Fund partnered with the awards to sponsor the RAF Station Award, recognising the best Station or Unit initiative to encourage and enable serving personnel to get physically active. The winner of the 2023 award was RAF Akrotiri for their parkrun initiative.

Delivered by a dedicated volunteer base, the project focuses on inclusivity with a concerted effort made to create a community spirit via a welcoming and open running event. Over 570 individuals have engaged with the initiative with single events attracting over 200 runners. As well as providing an opportunity to enhance physical activity across the base, the run also creates a platform for social cohesion within the local community.

The opening award of the 2023 event was presented to Squadron Leader Simon Almond who collected the Sportsman of the Year award for his achievements in the pool as part of the successful RAF Water Polo squad. The Sportswoman of the Year was awarded to Flying Officer Carys Williams-Morris. Her outstanding performances on the pitch saw Carys representing Wales at the Rugby Union World Cup.

It was yet another incredibly competitive contest for the Sports Team of the Year. The RAF Telemark Women’s Team and RAF Olympic Weightlifting Inter-Services Team both had exceptional years, collecting important and commendable results at high level competition. However, after winning their first indoor and outdoor double at the Inter-Services in 25 years, the RAF Hockey Ladies’ Senior Team were named winners for 2023.

As well as those who excel in their chosen sport, the RAF Sport Awards also recognise those who go above and beyond in the delivery of sport and who are often the unsung heroes of the Associations. Sports Coach / Official of the Year went to Flight Sergeant Mark Silva for his role in the success of numerous RAF athletes who have represented their country at a number of Winter Olympic Games.

RAF Motor Racing Team manager Warrant Officer Chris Slator was chosen as Sports Administrator of the Year for his continued dedication to innovate and encourage STEM engagement, consistently improving the Armed Forces Race Challenge. His passion for providing opportunities for RAF personnel to take part in a sport which many may have considered beyond their reach has delivered remarkable well-being benefits for those who are now involved with the sport.

Making its debut this year was the Civilian Volunteer Award. It recognises the support and service provided by civilian volunteers who dedicate their time to the delivery of RAF Sport from outside service. Three inaugural winners were announced with Ian Acey, Eamon Geraghty and Ian Webb scooping an award for their support of Telemark, Boxing and Gliding respectively.

The 2023 awards concluded with the Lifetime Achievement Awards which recognise dedicated and lengthy contributions to RAF Sport and this year saw four worthy winners of the title. Squadron Leader Damian Clayton has been a mainstay of Rugby League in the RAF. For almost three decades he has enabled others to take part in the sport, including holding a role as the Armed Forces representative on the Community Board of the National Governing Body.

Squadron Leader Paul Goodwin was recognised for his exceptional support of RAF Sub-Aqua across 35 years. He has organised thousands of dives across the globe, delivering training and support to Unit clubs. Paul’s passion, knowledge and commitment has improved the skills of countless service personnel and created a welcoming and professional experience for all the divers who have practiced alongside him.

Our final recipient was Warrant Officer Ann Thomas, a name intertwined with the history of Powerlifting. A multiple World Champion powerlifter, she has provided guidance and training support over the last 20 years, shaping the sport for both the service and for national and international competition. After retiring from competition in 2008, Ann is now an advocate for good governance and clean sport, acting as President and Drug Control Officer at the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association.