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Sussex Judo club receives Queen's Award for voluntary services

Athletes and coaches from Westerleigh Judo club, which is part of Special Olympics Hastings and Rother Club in Sussex received The Queen’s Award for voluntary services on Saturday (31 October).

Founded in 1995 by brothers Paul and Chris Everest, Westerleigh Judokwai is described as a Judo Club with a difference. Over the past 20 years the club has grown from a handful of students to well over one hundred members. The club is closely linked to the local Special Olympics group and all coaches are fully training to support both children and adults with learning disabilities.  

On Saturday 31 October, the Club'd official Paula Everest (picture below) received the Queen's Award for voluntary service on behalf of the whole club.

Lady holding Queen's award in frame, presented to her by Lord Leintenant dressed in military uniform.

The Lord Lieutenant presented the award to Paula, before meeting with athletes, members and volunteers from the club. Paula said:

"Everyone had an amazing time and a wonderful day."


Once the Lord Lieutenant departed, Westerleigh Judo Club hosted their own awards evening, where the club's chairman presented accolades to their athletes and members.

Club volunteer, Sandra Farley said:

"It was a well-deserved award! The presentation evening was lovely, my family and I were delighted to be in attendance. We are also proud to have been part of Westerleigh Judokwai (Hastings & Rother Special Olympics) for the past 20 years as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Many, many congratulations to Paul and Paula Everest , all the directors, committee, coaches, athletes and their families for this wonderful achievement."


This club is right at the forefront of inclusion, hope and unity. Westerleigh is a family run Judo club they believe that everyone should have the opportunity to train together in a safe and friendly environment. Everyone should be treated with the same care and respect.

Congratulations to Westerleigh Judo Club on receiving the Queen's Award and celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

Find out more about Westerleigh Judo Club here.

English Learning Disability Sport Alliance (ELDSA) is a partnership between two NDSOs, Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB. Who work together to promote sport and physical activity opportunities for people with a learning disability.