It was a night of great celebration for the Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Warriors speedway co-promoters Barry Bishop and Martin Widman as they were named winners in the Sporting Achievements category at the 2018 Local Heroes Award ceremony hosted by Isle of Wight Radio at Cowes Yacht Haven last night.
The special award, sponsored by The Island Riding Centre and voted for in an on-line poll, recognised the tireless work that has gone in to reviving and revitalising speedway on the Island since the club re-formed three years ago, expanding it into a true community operation catering for young and old alike and shining out as a beacon for others to admire and emulate.
Barry Bishop was bursting with pride as, immediately after the presentation, he said, “Martin and I are delighted to win this award on behalf of everyone associated with the club, our wonderful volunteers, our fans, sponsors and riders. The significance of this award will probably take a day or two to sink in, however to be recognised for sporting achievement ahead of some other great local clubs and individuals who represent the island worldwide is amazing. This truly cements our position as an important asset not only to speedway but also in the community and the Isle of Wight”.
All eyes now turn to the prestigious World Speedway Riders Association annual awards in Leicester on 17 November. The Warriors have been nominated as speedway’s Community Club of the Year and face competition from Berwick and Kent. Following the Club 1-2 from Ben Morley and Alfie Bowtell in the National League Riders Championship and now the Local Heroes award, taking the Community Club accolade would be a fantastic hat-trick at the end of an exciting year.