Doha College celebrated sporting success with a guest appearance by Great Britain’s paralympian Ben Sneesby, aged 19, who competed in the Sochi 2014 Paralympics, achieving 11th place in the seated Alpine Skiing Competition. Over 110 athletes from a mix of sports were honoured during the College’s Sports Awards Evening.
This annual Awards Evening recognises and rewards sporting achievements. Over 200 awards were presented. The top three awards were the boys and girls Team of the Year won by the U16 Boys Football Team and the U16 Girls Netball Team, Sportsman of the year was presented to Devin Brooks, and Sportswoman of the year was presented jointly to Hollie Jenkins and Demi Quickfall.
Gary Froud, Head of PE at Doha College, explained how the honoured athletes were chosen. “Our winning sportsmen and sportswomen represent the college and excel in a number of sports. More importantly, they show great leadership skills and are excellent ambassadors for sport across Qatar”
Ben explained to the audience of students, parents and governors his motivation to compete in the Paralympics. “I started playing sport when I was eight and I loved the physical challenge, I always dreamt of competing professionally. Before the Olympics I had an intensive 18-month training schedule. It’s not always easy to get up and force yourself to train. If worthwhile things were easy then everyone would do them. As an athlete you have to stay focused, be committed and balance your social life and sporting success.”
Ben was diagnosed with cancer at just three months, but thanks to family support he competes in wheelchair basketball, seated alpine skiing and, most recently, wheelchair racing.
Jan McGuire, a member of the Board of Governors, summed up the event: “The long list of achievements of the college’s sporting teams and individuals celebrated is testament to the hard work, patience and persistence of the PE department, who encourage all students to achieve their best in all aspects of their physical education, from team games, individual sports through to national competitions and regional tournaments.”The Peninsula
