People who give up their time for their local areas are often unsung heroes, keeping the fabric of communities together. A Coleg Gwent student has been presented with two awards recognising his valuable work as a volunteer at his local cricket club.
Gavin Chilton, 18 from Abercarn, was a joint winner of the Community Chest Volunteer Award for his work as a cricket coach at Abercarn Cricket Club, and scooped the Millennium Volunteers Award for 100 hours of volunteering at the Caerphilly Voluntary Sector of the Year Awards.
Nominated by the women’s team captain at Abercarn Cricket Club, Gavin said: “It was a bit of a shock to win two awards, but I was delighted. It means a lot that my time spent volunteering is appreciated, especially by those that I coach. I feel really honoured.”
Whilst studying a National Diploma in Sport at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys Campus, Gavin took on as many coaching courses as he could to be able to play a more active part in coaching at his local club.
When Coleg Gwent staff nominated Gavin for Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Coaches of the Future scheme, a chance for young people to pursue their passion for coaching, he used the opportunity to share his new skills to coach children and senior sides, and even set up Abercarn Cricket Club’s first women’s team earlier this year.
Now on his way to university in September, Gavin hopes to forge a career as a sports development officer or a sports teacher, he said: “I’m really going to miss Coleg Gwent, I’ve had a brilliant two years and staff have really helped me to progress.
“I’ve had so much opportunity to volunteer at sports festivals and events, which has widened my skills and experience, and given me a great starting point for my future career.”
Coleg Gwent Sports Lecturer Mererid Dark said: “I’m very pleased that Gavin’s commitment to his community has been recognised. He always gives up time and energy for others, without ever expecting anything in return.
“Gavin made the most of his time at College, taking every opportunity to learn new skills, and develop and share his knowledge with local people. We are very proud and wish him every success at university.”
With the 2012 London Olympic Games drawing closer, Gavin hopes to bring some of the razzle dazzle of the world’s top sporting event closer to home. The youngster has been nominated as a torchbearer for Caerphilly to take part in the UK-wide torch relay and will find out if he has made the shortlist later this year.
