A huge well done to Steph, Fionne and Moire, this year’s very deserving recipients of the Stephen McGibbon Trophy.
Named in memory of Stephen McGibbon – a hugely respected orienteer and stalwart of Lagan Valley Orienteers who sadly passed away in 2006 aged just 51 – the trophy is not about podium places or split times. Instead, it recognises the individual or group who has made the most outstanding contribution to club life over the past year.
And what a contribution this trio has made.
Over the last 12 months, Steph, Fionne and Moire have gone all-in to welcome juniors and their families into the club, delivering junior-specific coaching, leading the hugely successful winter Teens & Tweens 12-week course in Tollymore, and welcoming these juniors into the ever-expanding NIOA squad.
Their commitment has gone well beyond the call of duty:
- ⭐ Steph stepped back from competing in the WEE series to shadow and support juniors.
- 🏔️ Moire designed the Teens & Tweens course while on her summer holiday in the French Alps.
- 🧭 Fionne has heroically volunteered to retrieve lost mini kites from the sides of desolate mountains after Moire’s control collection plans have gone awry!
Thanks to their energy, creativity and sheer dedication, our junior numbers have grown — and even better, parents have stepped forward into vital volunteer roles, strengthening the club for the future.
This is exactly what the Stephen McGibbon Trophy is all about: quiet dedication, teamwork and building something bigger than yourself.
Well done, all three of you, and thank you for everything you do for the club! 👏
Very well deserved. Great to see fruits of labour and a growing NIOA junior family. 😀