Sports Ball proves successful once again

A number of clubs within Warwick Sport were recognised for outstanding performance at Sports Ball 2013, held at Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.

Women’s Netball won the ‘Club of the Year’ and ‘Warwick Volunteers of the Year’ awards, while Lacrosse’s fundraising efforts were acknowledged in the RAG Charity Award.

In the individual awards, Isabella Di Tella from Warwick Fencing was recognised as ‘Sportswoman of the Year’, while Daniel Caverzaschi, who represented Spain at the London Paralympic Games 2012, was ‘Sportsman of the Year’.

Women’s Football, Squash, Archery, Classical Modern Dance (CMD) and Rowing, among others, were also recognised at the ceremony.

The annual event capped a superb sporting year for Warwick, which featured a comprehensive 70-20 Varsity triumph over rivals Coventry University.

Speaking to The Boar, Sports Officer Natasha ‘Bam’ Cabral said she was extremely proud of the sportsmen and women at Warwick.

“The number of nominations for club and individual awards is a testament to how successful Team Warwick’s year has been,” she said.

“We have some incredible sportsmen and sportswomen at Warwick and I am very proud of each of them.”

One of the more moving moments of the night came when Daniel Caverzaschi, an Economics student who plays Wheelchair Tennis, won the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ award.

Caverzaschi represented Spain in last year’s Paralympic Games, won the ATP Valencia National Masters in November and triumphed in the ITF3 Argentinian and Chilean Open this Easter.

In recognition of his multiple achievements, the majority of attendees gave Caverzaschi a standing ovation.

“Between September and this award I’ve probably had my best results and experiences so far,” he admitted.

“I’ve worked my absolute maximum during this academic year, probably pushing it a bit too far with my tennis alongside my degree!

“A massive thank you to everybody who chose me as Sportsman of the Year, and congratulations to all the nominees too.”

In the team awards, Women’s Netball scooped both the Warwick Volunteers and the Club of the Year awards.

And president Rachel Toner was clearly delighted by the recognition after an impressive season.

“Being awarded Club of the Year is a testimony to the hard work of every member of UWWNC,” she said.

“This year has seen outstanding court wins, unique volunteering projects and various charity work.

“I am so proud to be part of such a fantastic club made up of such talented girls. We did it ladies!”

Zoe Buckland will replace Cabral as Sports Officer for the next academic year, and like next year’s new cohort of sportspeople at Warwick, she has a hard act to follow.