A DEDICATED Ipswich mother who voiced the dreams of the young in Ipswich has won a prestigious award.Tina Wiles, whose work was the single most important factor in securing a skatepark for the town, has been recognised in Sport England's annual Regional Service to Sport Awards.

A DEDICATED Ipswich mother who voiced the dreams of the young in Ipswich has won a prestigious award.

Tina Wiles, whose work was the single most important factor in securing a skatepark for the town, has been recognised in Sport England's annual Regional Service to Sport Awards.

The awards, which reveal the unsung efforts of people who enable sport to flourish in the community, are to be presented in Cambridge on April 18.

Without her motivation, dedication and commitment, it is unlikely that the much needed facility for young people would have progressed beyond the drawing board, her award nomination reported.

She has been recognised as the person who made the greatest contribution to gaining a capital community facility award from the Sport England lottery fund.

Ms Wiles of Heath Road, Ipswich instigated the development of the skatepark in January 1999 by lobbying the then MP Jamie Cann and also Ipswich Borough Council.

On hearing of the award, Ms Wiles said today: "This is such a lovely surprise and I'd like to thank all the people who worked so hard with me on the Ipswich Skatepark to make it possible. And of course this is a reflection on them.

"Also to sport England for their support and I am pleased that they think that the Ipswich Skatepark is such a valued facility."

The skate park came at a time when police were voicing concerns about skateboarders causing a nuisance in and around the town centre. Enthusiasts said they had no where to go.

An open meeting was organised in the town hall to establish demand with more than 150 turning out including parents, skateboarders, BMX riders, in-line skaters, shopkeepers, youth workers, police and councillors.

The Ipswich Skatepark Appeal group was formed with Ms Wiles as secretary.

Since then she has been at the forefront of the development of the skatepark, including securing an award of nearly £90,000 from the Sport England Lottery Fund.

Her application for financial support is now being used as an example of good practise for other organisations to follow.

She has also led the way in other areas, including fundraising, launching an appeal website, publicity and producing newsletters.

"She speaks for all those youngsters whose dream it is to have a skatepark in Ipswich and in doing so she had brought together many individuals and organisations to work in partnership," the award nomination concluded.

n. Win yourself a safety helmet!

A competition is underway to design a sign promoting the use of safety helmets at the park.

It is split into two categories: under 15's and over 15's. The winning design will be made into the sign.

Ten helmets are up for grabs as part of the competition, donated by Elmy's Cycles in St Helen's Street, Ipswich.

Entries must be in by April 21 and should be sent to Club Secretary, Tina Wiles, 142 Heath Road, Ipswich IP4 5SR.

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