Local coach shines at awards ceremonies
Local athletics coach Maria Diamond shone at the recent Vita Basadi Awards and Momentum gsport Awards.
Albemarle-based Diamond Athletics Club was established in 2010 by husband and wife, John and Maria Diamond.
The duo have always shared an interest and love for athletics, so it has been easy for them to focus their efforts on coaching.
Although they started the club in 2010, it wasn’t until 2017 that they officially registered with Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).
That was also the year in which they reached club status and found themselves with three clusters, one in Etwatwa in Benoni, another in Edenvale and the last one in Germiston, together assisting over 50 athletes.
Since its inception the club’s athletes have shone at a number of different events in a number of different disciplines.
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Recently it was the turn of Maria to shine.
First, Maria was a runner-up at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s annual Vita Basadi Awards in the Unsung Legend Award category.
“I was so surprised,” Maria said when she visited the GCN last Monday.
“When they read out the list of finalists I was one of the last names they read out, so I really didn’t expect to place.
“I was shocked to be named runner-up.
“The other finalists were all high-ranking in their respective fields, so I did not expect to make it.
“But I do feel like I deserve the recognistion as I have worked very hard to get to where I am.
“I am honoured and proud that my hard work has been recognised.”
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Still on a high from the Vita Basadi Awards, she was then nominated and won the Momentum gsport Awards in the Volunteer of the Year category.
The gsport Volunteer of the Year award recognises the women who effortlessly and selflessly give of their time and resources to raise the profile of women’s sport in South Africa, especially at grass-roots level.
“Once again, I was completely surprised and shocked that I won, though I knew I had been nominated,” said Maria.
Maria admits that the wins haven’t sunk in yet.
“Every time I think about the awards my heart beats a little faster,” she said.
“I still cannot believe it.”
Asked how the awards will affect her as she continues to coach, Maria explained, “I feel like I am on the right track.
“This is an extra push for me and a huge boost to my confidence.
“I feel like I and my work is being noticed and recognised and that I am able to go toe-to-toe with any male counterpart.
“I have to thank my athletes as well because their performances make me shine.”
Maria and John are now looking forward to the new athletics season.
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