“THE breadth of sporting achievement in Jersey is enormous,” said Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, adding “to some extent the sky’s the limit for sports in Jersey”. That couldn’t ring any truer as the 2024 Jersey Council Sports Awards took place, showcasing the incredible potential of local sport in Jersey. Festivities commenced at St Brelade’s Social Club with the U18 Achievement Award and some incredibly talented names listed. Nominees included CI Champion golfing prodigy Anabelle Lucas-Villar, archer Hannah Bridle, who achieved multiple accolades including third place in the U18 International team event, Team GB sailor Sam Romer, netball sensation Grace Thomson, long-distance runner Bradley Andrews-Callec and four-time swimming National Age Group winner, SamSterry. Sports Person of the Year / U18 Achievement Award However, topping the pile and claiming the award was 17-year-old swimming phenom Filip Nowacki, who came out on top after setting four British National Age Group records, reaching two finals in the British Senior Championships and winning a silver medal for Team GB in the European Junior Championships. Nowacki’s phenomenal year saw him take the coveted 2024 Sports Person of the Year Award, beating elite talents such as record-setting archer Mollie Perret, history-making bowler Thomas Greechan, Team GB rower Natacha Searson and Lucas-Villar herself. “Obviously he has a lot of talent, but he works so hard,” said Tigers swimming coach Nathan Jegou. “He just doesn’t get flustered. Filip’s so level-headed and down to earth. You just can’t coach that, it’s special.” A big support to his development has been the team behind the scenes, with Jegou adding: “Collectively, the team is such a boost, everyone’s there for each other working to improve and I’m really proud of the whole unit. “It’s a huge benefit for development to have such a variety of athletes train with us, like Youth Commonwealth Gold-Medallist Luke Holmes and other triathletes of the like. “Having other athletes of such high calibre always helps inspire our athletes to learn and continue to push their own limits.” Over 18 Achievement Award The Over 18 Achievement Award saw a stacked class, with Rachel Leck taking home the honors after an incredible sporting campaign which saw her seamlessly transition from weight lifting and shot put to discus. Through dedication and hard work, Leck improved her distance by a massive 10m during the season, culminating in winning a silver medal in the English National Championships and helping win gold for England at the Manchester International. “This year couldn’t really have gone any better,” said an overjoyed Leck. “My next aim is to qualify for the World Championships this year and, hopefully, make it all the way to the LA Olympics in 2028.” Team of the Year Award The Sport Team of the Year category was yet again full of promise, with multiple squads representing on the biggest of stages in their respective sports. Julie Brady, Helen Monpetit, Rosemary Satchwell and Alison Smithurst, members of the record-breaking Intrepid 232 Rowing Team, claimed the award after becoming the oldest female crew to row across an ocean, completing the 3,000 mile Trans-Atlantic crossing in just 58 days. “It was really tough, especially in that final week, but we got through it and are so grateful for all the support” said the team, their response to a future challenge on the horizon being a hearty “never say never”. The Rose Bowl Will Davey took home the Rose Bowl after a worthy year, where he dedicated his time to supporting the Jersey Sports Association for the Disabled, helping the relay team and competing for the Learning Disability Football team. Volunteers also received the recognition they thoroughly deserve, with Sports Council committee member saying: “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of Jersey sport. Without them, sports events couldn’t happen.” Sid Guy Memorial Trophy Wendy Luce was awarded the Sid Guy Memorial Trophy for her years of service to Jersey Netball, serving on the committee since 1989 in various capacities. Luce is currently the manager for the Team Jets programme and acts as a crucial cog in the machine behind the scenes running the successful outfit. The Colin Welch Trophy went to Heath Perrett, the two-time Island Games Archery Team manager being rewarded as an integral part of Jersey Archery’s success last year. “We have the talent,” continued Deputy Morel, “now it’s about getting Jersey to hold more sports events to further establish the Island and the government has a strategy in place to do so.” It’s clear local athletes have the talent with numerous Olympic hopefuls, but the need for investment is also clear with many citing “lack of available space and competition regulation facilities” as a key barrier to sporting development. With all this talent within Islanders’ reach, all of the attendants were keen to get more people involved, imploring locals to “give it a go”.