The club, where Tokyo Games star Jess honed her 400 metres prowess, also secured the Unsung Project of the Year award for its regular Dementia Friends and Wellbeing Walks staged at Rutland Sports Park. A third accolade, Unsung Hero, was presented to the club’s treasurer and coach, Dan Humphrey.
Judges at the England Athletics Regional Volunteers Awards heard that the club, founded in 1999, boasts around 30 athletes who represent Derbyshire and provides a welcoming environment for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Rachel Scott, England Athletics support manager for local clubs, stated: “The club continues to demonstrate excellence both on and off the track.”
The club’s monthly wellbeing walks, launched with input from local healthcare professionals and community partners, have raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The club also aims to build confidence and pride in its members, the youngest of whom are around six years old.
“"The club has helped me in my confidence. When I first came two years ago I was awful and couldn’t really to talk to anyone. Even now the coaches go, ‘Blimey you can actually talk now’."
Noah, a young man who joined the club two years ago, featured in a video on the England Athletics website, explaining how the club has boosted his confidence and ability to socialise. He added: “The quality of the coaching is really good for younger and older athletes.”
Olympic hurdler Jessica, 31, who competed at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after overcoming injury, is a former silver medallist at the Under-23 European Championships. Cllr Josy Hare, Erewash council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, praised the club’s commitment, stating: “The commitment of all those involved with Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club is inspirational – fully justifying them winning ‘gold’ in these latest awards.”
Cllr Hare also highlighted the recognition for the Dementia Friends and Wellbeing Walks, adding: “It is also terrific to see the Dementia Friends and Wellbeing Walks being recognised. These have proved a superb boost for many local people.”
