For the second year running, we celebrated all that is great about our sports club at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). A welcome address from Sports Union President, Hope Reilly, was followed by the much anticipated Vice Presidents Speech.
Highlighting the success of all clubs in attendance, as well as reflecting back on some of the fantastic moments of the year where sport at Heriot-Watt again went to a new level.
After a buffet style meal, SUP, Hope took to the stage once more to begin the awards ceremony, helped by Vice Principal of the university, Professor Mark Biggs.
The ceremony began by awarding all of our 13 Gold WattMark clubs for all of their hard work in 2023. These golden clubs were announced and congratulated and received their certificate.
2023/24 Gold WattMark Clubs
Badminton. Basketball. Boat. Cheerleading. Dance. Gaelic Football. Hockey. Netball. Rugby. Swimming. Tennis. Ultimate Frisbee. Volleyball.
The ball award winners were then announced by Professor Mark Biggs, with the help of Hope, who gave a brief description of why each of the clubs had been shortlisted. Ultimate Frisbee scooped the SU Development Trophy, following a move up in Watt Mark grade.
The second club award of the award, the Mieras Trophy for Social Club of the Year, went to Futsal.
The next award was the first of two new awards this year, the SU Engagement Trophy, awarded to a club that has show exceptional and innovative way to engage its members, Heriot-Watt student and its alumni. The first ever winners of this award were the Mountaineering Club.
The second of our two new awards was up next, The Watt Club Trophy for Community Impact. This award is to recognise an exceptional community impact a club is having. This years winners were the Squash club for there impressive community squash programme.
Next up, was the Johnston Trophy for Sports Personality of the Year. Any of this years shortlist would have been deserving winners, however it was Vinny Pemberton that claimed the award on the evening for his impressive contributions to the Sports Union.
The Peter Wilson Trophy for Club of the Year rounded out the evenings gong-giving and this award was awarded to the Tennis Club. They’ve had another exceptional year – with their membership doubling inline with the opening of the indoor new tennis facility on campus. The club have managed to handle this increase in members whilst also providing volunteers to help out with Oriam tennis events.
Well done to all our wonderful winners and commiserations to those who missed out this time!
Our Award Winners:
SU DEVELOPMENT TROPHY FOR MOST IMPROVED CLUB:
Ultimate Frisbee
MIERAS TROPHY FOR SOCIAL CLUB OF THE YEAR:
Futsal
SU Engagement Trophy:
Mountaineering
Watt Club Trophy:
Squash
JOHNSTON TROPHY FOR SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:
Vincent Pemberton
THE PETER WILSON TROPHY FOR CLUB OF THE YEAR:
Tennis