Paralympic coach Tim honoured at Welsh Awards ceremony
November 12, 2009
By Peter Jones
GB Paralympic coach Tim Hazell has been honoured at the Welsh Coach of the Year awards.
Tim, who lives near Newport, was named "Welsh Coach of the Year For Coaching Disability Sports People" at an awards ceremony at the Welsh Institute of Sport, in Cardiff - and featured on local TV news just hours later!
"I'm really proud," said Tim. "It was such a shock - I really didn't expect it, and what was fantastic is that when they announced my name they were really bigging up archery, which was great. But I was so shocked I was seriously speechless, and anyone who knows me will understand how shocked I must have been for that to happen!
"But seriously, the biggest thing of all was to be put up for the award, because it means people take notice of what you are doing," he said. "It's good recognition for me, obviously, but it's good recognition for archery.
"And while it was me who received the award personally, I consider this as a team effort, from the coaching and support staff, to all the wonderful Paralympic archers I work with. When we're together at Lilleshall next month, I'll be raising a glass to say thank you to all of them.
"I would also like to mention the team in the Performance Unit: Gary Carr, Steph Kelly and Sarah Shelvock, who work so hard behind the scenes, and make life so much easier for me."
Tim's award drew tribute from Archery GB chairman Lynne Evans: "What fantastic news," she said. "And what deserved recognition for a man who who is held in the highest respect by everyone at Archery GB.
"I am so pleased for Tim, he really does do a wonderful job with the Paralympians, and not only that, he is also delivering success, as he did last year in Beijing, and this year at the World Championships.
"He has a magic about him that works - and this is great news. I am thrilled to bits for him."
Tim's award is yet more national recognition for British Paralympians. Earlier this month Beijing Paralympic gold medalist and 2009 World Champion Danielle Brown was among the three finalists in the disabled sports category at the prestigious Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards. Cyclist Sarah Storey won the award.
