On Thursday, 2^nd September, Caterham resident Kay Wilson, winner of the Rotary Club of Caterham 2010 Sporting Excellence Award  was presented with a cheque for ￡250 by the club's President Mike Smith at the Surrey National Golf Club.  

Kay plays rugby at county and national level and recently won her first cap for the England Under 20s team against France.  Her ambition is to play for the England seniors and she has the 2016 Olympics, when women's rugby will be included for the first time, in her sights.  The panel were impressed with Kay’s interpersonal skills and the way in which her sporting career has developed in the past year. Kay went to St. Bede's School in Redhill and is about to commence a gap year working in a school.   

The Sporting Excellence Award was instituted by the Club in 2008 and is now in its third year.  The Award is open to all students age 11 to 18, who live locally or attend a local school.  Each year local secondary schools are asked to nominate entrants who submit an application form with a supporting testimonial from their Head of PE or club coach.  The Club sets up a small panel to review the applications and then shortlists the best candidates to attend an informal interview.   

The runners up for the award, who each received a cheque for ￡125, were 15 year-old Ben Dubben and 14 year-old Sophie Foreman.   

Ben Dubben plays water polo.  He lives in South Croydon and attends Warlingham School.  He plays for Croydon Amphibians and his career already includes playing at county and national level.  The panel were impressed with the confidence he demonstrated at interview and his high level of dedication to water polo. 

Sophie Foreman is a cross country runner.  She lives in Woldingham and attends Woldingham School.  She runs for South London Harriers and her coach describes her as an “outstanding young athlete”.  The panel were particularly impressed with her dedication to the sport and her organisational skills. 

For more information about Caterham Rotary Club visit www.caterhamrotary.org.uk/