KEYNSHAM Hockey Club member Oliver Hurford is the winner of this year’s Jack Boulton Award.
The presentation took place at the club’s home pitch at Wellsway School, Keynsham, in the presence of Jack’s parents June and Dave, along with Oliver’s close family.
After Jack died in August 2009, the Keynsham and Saltford Sports Network decided to make an annual award to a young sportsman or woman in the community who displayed many of Jack’s exceptional sporting and personal qualities.
Oliver is described as a young man who reflects Jack’s huge talent, as well as his delightful personality and modest manner.
At the age of just 14, he has moved up to play at senior level for the club and recently made his debut for the first team.
Although now playing regular senior hockey, last season Oliver was still able to represent the club in under-14 competitions, where he displayed excellent leadership skills, supporting younger members of the team and acting as an exceptional role model.
Danny Voisey, Oliver’s coach, said: “He’s a joy to coach and have within the team as he is courteous, polite and demonstrates all the qualities you look for in a teammate.”
At the presentation, Lou Riddoch, of Keynsham & Saltford Sports Network, highlighted the criteria for the award and recognised the similarities between Jack’s and Oliver’s qualities.
The event also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable fundraising that June and Dave have achieved for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) over the 15 years since Jack died.
Huge numbers of young people in the community have benefited from the cardiac screening programme funded by CRY, which helps protect them against undiagnosed heart conditions.
Pictured, Oliver Hurford with his coach Danny Voisey and Jack Boulton’s parents June and Dave
Talented Keynsham hockey player wins Jack Boulton Award
