Triathlon Ireland Recognition Awards 2020

Announcing the Triathlon Ireland Recognition Awards 2020 – the triathlon community’s chance to pay tribute to those who led by example during the toughest of years.

2020 was a year like no other with most races cancelled, clubs unable to train together for many months and most people having to endure long periods of social isolation as we tackled the Covid-19 pandemic.

But it was also a year when clubs and individuals from our community have looked out for one another and shown their selflessness and can do attitude through sport.

2020 Triathlon Ireland Recognition Awards

For decades, Triathlon Ireland has held an awards ceremony. Because of the cancellation of events, this year many of the categories such as Race of the Year or Athlete of the Year are unable to be decided. However many of the reasons for awards in other categories still hold true.

This year, we won’t have a physical awards ceremony, but from December 16th, we will use our website and social media to recognise those within our community who made exceptional contributions.

Have your Say

Public submissions are being invited for three awards this year: Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year and the Spirit of Triathlon award.

In addition, we will also be recognising those who achieved in the Aquathlon National Champs and in our virtual events, the Spring Zwift Time Trial League, the Autumn Zwift League, Run and Ride for Pieta and Run Your Neighbourhood.

Details of each award – and how you can make a submission if suitable are as follows:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Volunteer of the Year Award aims to shine a light on the remarkable work of volunteers around the country by celebrating them on a national level. The award is a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to ordinary people doing extraordinary work across the country. 

Any current member of Triathlon Ireland is eligible to win this award, which will be decided by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members.  

Nominations are open to the public now with a closing date of 23:59pm on Wednesday December 9th.

SPIRIT OF TRIATHLON  

This award recognises those individuals who illustrate the principles of the positive spirit of the sport as displayed through acts of sportsmanship and leadership in multisport, with no deference to athletic ability. 

Any current Triathlon Ireland member shall be eligible for nomination in this category and can include (but is not limited to); athletes, coaches, volunteers, technical officials, club committee members and race directors. 

The nominee should be someone who fits one or more of the following criteria:

• Embodies the spirit of the sport, contributing with a selfless, inclusive attitude;

• Has achieved something extraordinary within or because of triathlon;

• Has overcome the odds to be involved in triathlon;

• Has inspired others to strive for their personal best within triathlon.

Nominations should be a written or a video entry. Written entries should be 300 to 600 words in length and videos should be no more than four minutes in length. Entries should outline why this Triathlon Ireland member should be recognised with this award.

You can make your submission now through this link.

The closing date is 23:59pm on Wednesday December 9th.

CLUB OF THE YEAR 

The Club of the Year award seeks to identify triathlon clubs – be it small, medium or large – which have performed in an outstanding manner over the course of the last 12 months. 

The award will be decided by a panel of Triathlon Ireland staff members and a representative from another national federation on foot of nominations from clubs.

Judges shall consider the following criteria:

• Initiatives to maintain engagement during Covid-19 (70%)

• Evidence of good governance (20%)

• Any other grounds why your club should be recognised (10%) 

Each club should prepare a submission for why their club should be considered based on the criteria above. Triathlon Club’s can make their submission via this link.

The closing date is 23:59pm on Wednesday December 9th.

CAROLINE KEARNEY AWARD

The Caroline Kearney Award is given annually to recognise exceptional contribution to the sport of triathlon by a female athlete.

The award is decided by a panel consisting of Triathlon Ireland’s President, CEO and Women’s Participation Lead.