For the second successive year, the World Speedway Riders Association (WSRA) has named the Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Warriors as their Community Club of the year.
The glittering awards ceremony held in Leicester on Saturday night saw the Warriors take the trophy ahead of higher league competition from the Glasgow and Redcar clubs who were also nominated in the category. Warriors win is all the more impressive as it is the first time that the same club have taken the award in consecutive years.
Outlining some of the reasons behind the WSRA committee’s decision, Master of Ceremonies Craig Saul praised the Island club for its dedication to the encouragement and involvement of young people, its highly popular training school that caters for all abilities, the marvellous support for disabled patrons and the genuinely warm and friendly welcome afforded to all visitors.
Barry Bishop, Martin Widman and Kevin Shepherd from the Warriors management team stepped up to receive the quirky ‘Steel Shoe’ trophy.
Speaking after the event Bishop said, “For the second weekend running I am stunned, amazed and delighted that the Warriors have been recognised by some of the most important and influential people in our sport.
Last week’s ‘Most Improved Club’ award came right out of the blue and it’s the same with this year’s Community Club award. I have to admit that I didn’t even know we were on the short list and so the pick up the accolade for a second successive year makes me so proud.
It has always been our goal to appeal to all sections of the Island community and we are building this aspect every year. Of course, Martin and I can’t do it on our own and so I accept the award on behalf of all those sponsors, volunteers and supporters who back us week in, week out. I thank them sincerely”.
Coming up, it is an important week for the Warriors and National League speedway in general. All the clubs will meet on Tuesday for their AGM when the structure of the league for 2020 will be top of the agenda.