“`html
Celebrating Excellence: Mark Dewdney and PR2 Mix2x Paralympic Champions Honored at Variety Disability Sports Awards
The Variety Disability Sports Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable accomplishments of athletes with disabilities, acknowledging their journey across various roles, locations, and sports. This year’s event also commemorates the inspiring achievements at the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
A Night of Recognition for Mark Dewdney
During a dazzling awards ceremony held on Monday evening, esteemed adaptive coach Mark Dewdney was honored with the American Golf Award for Unsung Hero. This accolade recognizes his unwavering commitment to adaptive rowing. As the head coach at Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club and former chairman of British Rowing’s Club Adaptive Group, he has played a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity in sport.
Dewdney expressed his surprise upon receiving not only the nomination but also such significant recognition: “Winning this came as quite an unexpected honor; I wasn’t even sure I would get nominated. There are numerous individuals in rowing deserving of acknowledgement just like myself; my distinction lies in leading efforts on a national scale.” He noted that many dedicated contributors often remain unnoticed.
Proud Moments for Paralympic Champions
This year’s Access Card Award for Outstanding Team Achievement went to Gregg Stevenson and Lauren Rowles MBE, who recently secured gold in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls during an exhilarating race this summer in Paris. Their victory encapsulates both individual triumphs and teamwork.
“This has truly been an exhilarating year,” commented Stevenson. “Receiving this award is extra special as it allows us to celebrate our journey together.” He emphasized that sports foster social connections and friendships that go beyond competition—facilitating growth in self-esteem among younger participants which is applicable across various life paths beyond athletics including careers or education.
Rowles reflected poignantly on her own journey: “To win this means everything to me personally. About 12 years prior, I received initial funding from Variety that enabled me to acquire my first racing chair—an opportunity that initiated my incredible adventure into para-sport.” She acknowledged how crucial financial support from organizations is for aspiring athletes facing economic barriers associated with disability-sport/exploring-the-rich-history-of-disability-in-minnesota-uncovering-stories-of-triumph-and-resilience/” title=”Exploring the Rich History of Disability in Minnesota | Uncovering Stories of Triumph and Resilience”>disability sports.
Building Bonds Through Sport
(…) Rowles shared her insights about finding community early on: “When I began competing, discovering people who understood my experience was transformative—I didn’t recognize how crucial it was until later.” She considers having faced challenges due to her disability from a young age as instrumental in reaching where she stands today while cherishing lifelong friendships developed through these experiences within sport.
“`
