Devon Sports Awards 2007

Held at the Tiverton hotel last night in Tiverton itself, and hosted by Mark Tylor of ITV Westcountry, the annual Devon Sports Awards ceremony took place. After a brief introduction by Philip Jenkinson the Chair of the Active Devon Board, Mark Tylor started off the evening announcing the winner of Devon’s top and most successful  ‘Newly Qualified Coach’ being that of the Totnes Kick Boxing School’s Instructor, Isaac Bloomberg, beating 3 other finalists in this category. In his absence, nominator and his own Instructor, Lesley McGhie 3rd Degree, accepted his award presented by Dan James, who is a member of the Beijing Paralympics GB Team.
Lesley had informed the panel that after Isaac qualified last year as Assistant Instructor, he then took over the Totnes Kick Boxing club with great results. Takings his students through 2 gradings within the last year, he saw an incredible 60% gaining credits and distinctions. It goes without saying that in such a young club these results are outstanding. During his first year he has helped numerous, previously inactive students become fit and confident individuals.
Isaac has also just recently passed his 2nd Degree in Taekwon-do, after great dedication and hardwork throughout his gap year. He is greatly missed at present by his students and fellow martial artists, as he is presently training with Masters in Kung Fu and Kick Boxing in Thailand, which is why he was unable to attend Devon’s top sporting event of the year.
The students look forward to seeing Isaac back from his martial arts trip, to celebrate with him, on his recent successes.

Steve Luker the Assistant Instructor of the Totnes Taekwon-do Schools was also present last night, being a finalist in the ‘Services to Sport- Official’ category, for his outstanding dedication to his school and association. Last year whilst undergoing intense training for his own 3rd degree grading, and being picked to represent Team UK for the World Championships, and gaining a Silver Medal at the Veterans World Champs, Steve still had time to officiate at all of the local and national events in the year. He would arrive early to events to set up, officiate and then with a quick change, compete, carry on officiating and is always there to de-rigg at the end of the day. Whilst many other squad members would be resting before their events, Steve, always thought of helping others before himself. For this reason Steve was nominated and presented with a Certificate of Commendation for his tireless efforts and his service to Taekwon-do.
Steve has also recently passed his 3rd Degree Taekwon-do grading and will be awaiting his next presentation event in a few weeks time.