More than 400 people gathered to celebrate the Island’s incredible sporting talent – from a 13-year-old archery protégé to a woman who has dedicated more than 45 years to equestrian sport – at the 50th Isle of Wight Sports Awards earlier tonight (Thursday).
With some of the Isle of Wight’s Olympians watching on, sports people from all backgrounds – and those who support them – were honoured for their excellence at a packed-out Medina Theatre. The event’s headline sponsor was local firm WRS.
Rosemary Edwards, who has just celebrated 45 years volunteering with the Isle of Wight Mountain and Moorland Society, collected the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Neil Lacey, whose son Zac picked up the disability seniors ward, was honoured with the Service to Sport Prize for his work with the national Down Syndrome swimming organisation.
At the other end of the age range, 13-year-old Summer Chambers was named top junior girl after qualifying for the national age group archery academy – and she is now on the right pathway to the Olympics.
14-year-old sailor Rafe Bradley won the international junior award after becoming world champion in the RS Tera class.
In all, 25 awards were given out at the 50th awards, with guests including the Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, High Sheriff Graham Biss, and Island MPs Joe Robertson and Richard Quigley.
A special section to mark the 50th anniversary of the awards honoured the people who have represented the Isle of Wight at the Olympics and Paralympics, including gold medal rower Louis Attrill, who was present on the night, to Shirley Robertson, a past presenter of the awards and double gold medallist.
Claire Beasley, chair of the IW Sports Foundations, which runs the awards, has said:
“The sheer quality, dedication and perseverance shown by our athletes and volunteers never ceases to amaze me.
“It has been an honour to organise these awards this year and the Island should be proud of the people we have recognised tonight.”
In his closing remarks, Graham Biss said:
“Your passion, commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence are what drive our sporting community forward.
“To all of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials, thank you for your dedication and for inspiring us all.
“A huge thank you once again to our main sponsor, WRS Systems, and to all of our incredible sponsors who make these awards possible. Your support enables us to honour and celebrate these outstanding achievements year after year.”
Isle of Wight Sports Awards 2025 – Winners
- Junior Boys – Harry Everard (cricket) and Raymond Groves (Basketball).
- Junior Girls – Summer Chambers (Archery)
- Intermediate Boys – James Carlin (Rugby)
- Intermediate Girls – Skye Priede (Swimming and Water Polo)
- Junior International – Rafe Bradley (Sailing)
- Intermediate International – Arthur Farley (Sailing)
- Senior Men – Nick Percy (Athletics)
- Senior Women (Emily Fry (Athletics)
- Masters Men – Matthew Sussmes (Swimming)
- Disability Seniors (Men) – Zac Lacey (Swimming)
- Disability Seniors (Women) – Annie Caddick (Rowing)
- Primary Schools – Godshill Primary, with a special award to Niton Primary
- Secondary Schools – Cowes Enterprise College
- Junior Team – Shalfleet Primary School Under 9s (Ccricket)
- Intermediate team – Ryde School Match Racing Team (Sailing)
- Senior Team – Mermaid Atlantic Team (Rowing)
- Coach – Harrison Booth (Rugby)
- Club Official – Trevor George (Netball)
- Outstanding Commitment – Jess Cutler (Football)
- Special Award – Simon Howes (Rowing)
- Volunteer – joint award to Colin Bond (Rugby) and Trev Lacey (Football)
- Making a Difference – Garry Gee (Mental Health in Football)
- Community Award – Aaron McGrath (Running)
- Lifetime Achievement – Rosemary Edwards (Equestrian Sport)
- Service to Sport – Neil Lacey (Disability Swimming)
-
Secondary Schools winner Cowes Enterprise College
