Parkinson's failed to stop dedication of award winner
A DEDICATED rowing coach has earned national recognition for his commitment to the sport, despite suffering a degenerative disease.
John Bell, a former rowing master and now part-time physics teacher at Durham School, was recently named Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) Coach of the Year 2006.
As well as teaching, Mr Bell works part-time as Durham Amateur Rowing Club's community sports coach.
The ARA award recognises his dedication and commitment to managing the club's young persons' programme, which is supported by Durham Sport and Sport England.
Mr Bell said: "This has exceeded all my expectations. It's very high up my list of momentous events.
"It recognises all the people involved in the programme and the tremendous efforts they have put in."
More than 300 fledgling rowers from local schools have benefited from the scheme, with at least 20 young people attending daily two-hour sessions during the school summer holidays.
"The response was fantastic. People just stopped and asked if they could join in," said Mr Bell, who has also run courses for three councils.
While continuing the programme, Mr Bell's next challenge is involvement in an adults' health in the community project.
Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998, he has not allowed it to deter his commitment to coaching.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to continue this work, to teach and take part in several leisure interests. It just goes to show that Parkinson's is not the end of the world."
As treasurer of the North Durham branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society, he is aware of the importance of regular exercise, maintaining a fitness programme.
He still rows competitively in single sculls and in the Durham club's veteran four, whose average age is 68.
Mr Bell, and wife Sue, a former Durham School librarian, collected the award at the ARA's recent national coaching conference.
8:53am Monday 19th February 2007
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