Fencer Chris Rocks wins SRT/Shetland Times sportsperson of the year award

Fencer Chris Rocks was named sportsperson of the year at the annual Shetland Recreational Trust/Shetland Times sports awards on Friday night.

Unfortunately Chris, whose bronze medal in the Commonwealth Championships in Australia earlier this year convinced the judges that he merited the top prize, was unable to make it to the ceremony because his flight to Shetland was cancelled. His mother Veronica accepted the glass trophy on his behalf. The other nominees were triathlete Lynsey Henderson and hockey goalkeeper Toni Sidgwick.

Chris’s long-term coach Andy Alderman was the coach of the year, beating fellow nominees Peter Sharp, hockey coach, and Neil Pottinger, karate coach, to the award.

The other winners were the senior inter-county badminton team (team of the year), the Anderson High School netball team (young team of the year) and swimmer Felix Gifford (young sportsperson of the year).

For the first time this year a lifetime endeavour award was presented on behalf of the family of Rob Anderson, former councillor and deputy head of SIC leisure and recreation. His widow Mary handed the trophy over to long-time hockey stalwart Joan Nicolson, who was surprised and delighted to have been chosen as the first recipient.

For full story, see Friday”s Shetland Times.