Star guest helps Coventry schools celebrate blockbuster achievements at annual sports awards

More than 250 parents, carers and students helped to celebrate the sporting achievements of our eight schools at our annual awards ceremony.

Northampton Saints hooker Tom Cruse joined staff and pupils from across the Romero Catholic Academy at the 2023 Romero Sports Awards, as top teams and performers from the last year were recognised in front of a packed audience at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School.

Tirenioluwa Oketola of St Gregrory’s Catholic Primary School claimed the KS1 Achiever Award, with Nadia Sikona of St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School taking home the KS2 prize. Cardinal Wiseman’s Oliva Aynes was awarded the accolade in the KS3/4 category, with all three representing their schools across a range of sports.

Jack O’Connor of Corpus Christi Catholic School and Shannon Whelan of Cardinal Wiseman were handed the Leader award in the KS2 and KS3/4 categories respectively for their dedication to extra-curricular sports and inspiring other pupils to take part.

The awards also highlighted the quality of PE provisions and extra-curricular initiatives designed to boost sports participation of thousands of pupils across the Romero Catholic Academy – with key staff recognised for going above and beyond curriculum requirements.

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School’s girls football squad picked up Team of the Year thanks to the commitment of pupils in the first full year of the programme.

Harry Clark, PE teacher at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, was recognised for his role in creating the Road to Paris 2024 project, which has seen the school collaborating with others in the city to give young people the skills to host sports activities for all abilities.

Lisa North of Cardinal Wiseman was also recognised, sharing the award for Staff Member of the Year with Harry, for her contribution to a jam-packed year of competitive success for pupils across a range of sports – including at the 2022 International Children’s Games in Coventry, and the creation of new extra-curricular activities.

St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School picked up School of the Year after it was recognised for its sports leader programme, while all pupils are said to have represented the school in a sporting competition over the last year.

Elise Liggins of St Patrick’s was also recognised for her role in supporting sports engagement across the Romero Catholic Academy, including the organisation of the sports awards.

Eleanor Barry, Foundation Director at the Romero Catholic Academy, said: “I’d like to thank parents, carers and staff for encouraging children to enjoy sport and Tom for joining us at the 2023 Romero Sports Awards.

“The nominations and winners have shown an incredible range of talent and commitment, and it’s been delightful to see so many parents and carers as their support is crucial in maximising their talents as we continue to work together to allow children to reach their God-given potential.”

Tom Cruse said: “I probably had an unorthodox route into sport as I didn’t turn professional until I was 22, but my dad was someone who definitely inspired me from a young age, not just in rugby, but in terms of having a love of sport.

“At Northampton Saints, we talk a lot about putting your personality on the pitch. Celebrating what you’re good at, being yourself and working hard are all important. If these pupils can set a goal work backwards from it, there’s nothing stopping them achieving.”