ERIC Esslemont was riding on a crest of a wave after winning the Senior Official award.

Eric has many roles as a volunteer and official in the sport of BMX Racing in the South Region, and in 2019 has driven his club based in Andover to some great fundraising success in excess of £20,000.

Eric also showed willingness as a race official and on the coaching side of his volunteer roles.

He was involved in the delivery of the Regional Talent Pathways and as is chairman Andover BMX Club chairman.

Eric is a dedicated volunteer at club sessions coaching all spectrums of abilities and also a mentor coach for new and young coaches.

The 49-year-old from Hatch Warren is looking forward to the spike this year his sport receives from being featured at the Olympics.

Eric said: “Every since the sport was introduced to the Olympics more people take up the sport after it is featured. We found that after 2012 and then there was a huge spike after 2016.”

“It would be great to get a BMX facility in the town and there is talk of one being put in the War Memorial Park.

“This would be great for the sport in town, as like me many riders from Basingstoke are forced to go to Andover to take part in BMX racing.”

Gemma Sadler’s hard work and hours devoted to the sport of swimming have been rewarded as she won the Junior Official award.

Last year, Gemma officiated at all levels of swimming competition from internal club galas, up to the national Masters Championships in Sheffield in October.

She qualified as a Judge Level One very quickly after her 15th birthday and has also mentored trainee officials during the year.