First Spirit of Newport awards honours worthy winners
Posted on Tuesday 27th February 2018
Leader Debbie Wilcox, the Mayor Councillor David Fouweather with Liz Johnson and Mike Flynn with their Spirit of Newport awards
Three people from very different backgrounds are to receive a Spirit of Newport Award to recognise the outstanding achievements of citizens with a connection to the city.
This is the first time this new accolade is being presented. The award was created by Newport City Council to recognise that as a city it is important to acknowledge and reward the people who make our city what it is whether through sporting excellence, charitable work, the growth of business, the arts, learning or showing courage and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox presented the Spirit of Newport Awards at the full council meeting today, Tuesday, 27 February.
The recipients are the manager of Newport County AFC Mike Flynn who put our city on the map after his team earned a replay in the FA Cup fourth round with a match at Wembley after they managed a 1-1 draw against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in front of record crowds at Rodney Parade.
Newport born Paralympic swimmer Liz Johnson who has won gold medals in the Paralympic Games and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) world championships.
Liz, who was born with cerebral palsy, took up swimming aged three and loved the sport. At just 14 she was selected to swim for Team GB wowing crowds over the years with her success, taking bronze at London 2012 Paralympics.
And war veteran and well known poppy appeal stalwart, 100-year-old Ron Jones of Bassleg who received a BEM for services to the community last year.
Unfortunately Mr Jones was unable to attend the presentation as he is unwell.
Councillor Wilcox said: “This is a modern award and is an opportunity for the people of Newport to nominate those who have shown us that no matter what, the right attitude and application can achieve almost anything.
“This is not an award that will be given out on a regular basis it is awarded only when a worthy recipient is identified who embodies the Spirt of Newport values and qualities.
“I am delighted that we have such worthy recipients as Ron Jones, Michael Flynn and Liz Johnson who all have a connection with Newport and have proved in their achievements that their awards are well deserved and I congratulate them all for being the first people the city is honouring in this way.”
The awards were presented at a meeting of full council in the council chamber at Newport Civic Centre.