Disability

The award

Since the initial formation of JSAD in 1985, disability sport in Jersey has been very well served by coaching staff, covering a multitude of different sports. 

In all cases, coaching staff are qualified to the highest degree within their discipline and have freely, willingly and enthusiastically dedicated much of their spare time to encouraging and supporting the needs of disabled sports people. 

Quite often it has been necessary for unique development programmes to be developed, particularly where the disability is profound.

Quite simply, good coaching staff are one of the most fundamentally important parts of any sport, and JSAD are no different there.  What differs is the sheer amount of time it can take to get a person with disability to the starting line.

The success of JSAD over time has been remarkable and it was considered by the Patrons of JSAD high time that the efforts of our coaching staff were recognised so in 2003 we saw the first presentation of the above award.

The winner

Jeannine joined JSAD in 1992 and became involved immediately with our Learning Disability Division.  The range of disability within this area is from slight/moderate to profoundly handicapped. 

Her first project was to take over and expand the sporting activities operated at the Centre (Jersey) Club (formerly Centre Gateway).  This she did with a quite dramatically positive and immediate outcome.

Jeannine subsequently lead Jersey teams to compete in the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Gotland, Guernsey and Malta. 

In addition, Jeannine has been a central member of the JSAD Disability Games which we have staged for 16 years, for 9 of which she was the Event Manager.

Jeannine has excellent motivation skills, and has an innovative approach to coaching, often having to adapt coaching techniques to suit the level of disability of a particular individual or group.

Despite having two young daughters and a full time job, she still finds time to give to JSAD both on the front line of activity and behind the scenes as Vice Chairman.

A most worthy winner of this award.

Jeannine was presented with her award by  JSAD Patrons Roger Bara, Robert Le Brocq and Brian Ahier.

Other nominees:

John Grady – Jersey Special Gymnastics Club
Paul Deffains – Learning Difficulties Sport
Phil Watson & Gary Norman – Learning Difficulties Football