St Edmund’s celebrates pupils sporting achievements

St Edmund’s Catholic School has celebrated its pupils’ sporting prowess at their Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
Head of PE, Adam Poxton, and colleague Megan Evans.Head of PE, Adam Poxton, and colleague Megan Evans.
Head of PE, Adam Poxton, and colleague Megan Evans.

It was glitz and glamour as students donned their best outfits and professional footballers and former pupils Sam Magri and Nathan Ashmore returned to the school to present the awards.

The pinnacle of the night was the crowning of 13-year-old Olivia Wright as the Sports Personality of the Year.

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Olivia, who recently joined Pompey’s academy, said: ‘I was really surprised to be nominated and shocked to win. It’s great to know this award was voted for by my team mates. One day I would love to play football professionally.’

(l-r) Havant & Waterlooville player, Sam Magri,  Oliver Matthews, 15 (runner up), Sports Personality of the Year winner, Olivia Wright, 13,  Georgina Burr, 15 (third place) and Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper, Nathan Ashmore.(l-r) Havant & Waterlooville player, Sam Magri,  Oliver Matthews, 15 (runner up), Sports Personality of the Year winner, Olivia Wright, 13,  Georgina Burr, 15 (third place) and Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper, Nathan Ashmore.
(l-r) Havant & Waterlooville player, Sam Magri, Oliver Matthews, 15 (runner up), Sports Personality of the Year winner, Olivia Wright, 13, Georgina Burr, 15 (third place) and Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper, Nathan Ashmore.

Havant & Waterlooville FC centre half and Maltese international, Sam Magri, who presented the award, said: ‘I grew up in Fratton and so it’s great to be asked back to present these awards. The school has come on so much since I left and I hope to be asked back again next year.’

Former team mate and current National League goalkeeper at Ebbsfleet United, Nathan Ashmore, added: ‘I feel privileged to be asked back for a second time to present these awards. Sport can play such a big part in developing children outside of the classroom. It’s brilliant to see what they have achieved.’

Trophies were also presented to Oliver Matthews, 15, who came in second place and Georgina Burr,15, who was voted in third place.  

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Other accolades included Best Newcomer, Most Improved Player and Unsung Hero. The audience were also treated to a gymnastics masterclass from Molly Ann Thompson and Claudia Garner and a street dance performance from Kian Anderson.

The event was organised by head of PE, Adam Poxton, and colleague, Megan Evans.

‘This is our third awards evening and this year’s event was bigger and better than ever,’ said Megan.

Adam added: ‘Not everyone can excel in maths and English and tonight is about celebrating the achievements of students outside the classroom.’

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For headteacher, Simon Graham, the role of sport is fundamental to the school’s success.

‘Sport develops many life-skills as well as building confidence and self-esteem. You cannot underestimate the value this brings to a child’s learning and well-being,’ he said.