SOME of Rio 2016’s Worcestershire stars have been the first sports personalities to win a special award dedicated to their home county.
Olympic winners such as Evesham rower Alex Gregory and Paralympians Claire Cashmore, Lauren Rowles, Becky Redfern and GB Wheelchair Basketball Men’s Head Coach, Haj Bhania, were the first ever people to be presented with their very own Worcestershire Black Pear Tree earlier today (Friday).
The historic ceremony was held at Evesham Rowing Club this afternoon where the athletes were greeted to scenes of jubilation.
The Black Pear appears on the county’s flag and can be seen in the Council Chamber at County Hall and it’s proudly worn by the county’s professional cricketers – Worcestershire CCC.
Claire Cashmore, who returned home from Rio as Paralympic champion in the Women’s 4x100m Medley relay and silver medallist in the Women’s SB8 100m Breaststroke said: “Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour and something I will treasure forever.
“It means a lot as Worcestershire is where my journey to becoming a Paralympian started. I was swimming at Wyre Forest swimming club when I competed at my first Paralympic Games in Athens and the ongoing support they have given me has been fantastic. I just want to say a massive thank-you to all of Worcestershire for your support!”.
Gregory who won a gold medal, rowing in the men’s coxless four for Great Britain at Rio added: “The support I’ve received from Worcestershire is not just a recent thing. I’ve been supported since first taking up rowing at Evesham rowing club 16 years ago.
“The journey has not been straight forward and through many difficult times the messages of support from people in the county have meant everything to me.
“Now I can repay that support with two Olympic Gold medals, a part of which belong to the people of Worcestershire.
“Thank you for the award, it’s truly an honour to receive a Worcestershire Black Pear tree.”
More winners of the Black Pear Award are to be named in due course.
People can also nominate those who they think should receive this unique prize which is open to individuals, companies and to organisations who have championed Worcestershire and represent the best of what this county has to offer.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, responsible for Localism and Communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The black pear is synonymous with Worcestershire and a fitting way to celebrate the achievements of our local heroes.
“Our sporting heroes certainly fit the bill with their amazing Olympic and Paralympic successes making them the perfect people to pick up this new Worcestershire award.”
To make a nomination just visit www.worldclassworcestershire.co.uk and go to the Get Involved section.
