SportsAble coach 'inspired and proud' at lifetime achievement award

A skilled sportsman has said he was left feeling 'dumbfounded' after learning he had received a lifetime achievement award.

Alan Kenny overcame disability to become a high-performance rifle shooter and coach.

He received the accolade at the 11th annual presentation evening of the Royal Borough bursary awards for sport and the arts on Tuesday, November 6.

The 70-year-old joined the Braywick-based sports association for the disabled SportsAble (then Wamdsad) after a fall from a ladder left him disabled.

But he was not at the town hall ceremony to receive his award because he was away on holiday in Egypt.

Active Alan, of Sandygate in Marlow, is also a qualified scuba instructor and spent part of his break teaching people to dive.

On returning in the early hours of the morning he decided to open his mail, which included notification of his award.

"I opened the letter and I just felt energised, inspired and very proud," said Alan, who is also a qualified diving instructor.

"I was very surprised."

Alan, who also suffers from Motor Neurone disease, has been a part SportsAble's air weapons section for more than 25 years, running it for 16.

He volunteers a minimum of eight hours a week at the centre, helping members of varying disabilities.

Sports manager Nick Gibbs nominated Alan for the award.

He said his colleague was an example of what can be achieved through personal determination and endeavour.