SLOUGH Amateur Boxing Club stalwart Chris Donovan has won the Get Berkshire Active Inspiration & Participation Coach of the Year Award.

Donovan picked up the gong during the annual awards ceremony at the Blue Mountain Golf & Conference Centre in Binfield last Friday.

Speaking to The Observer, Donovan said: “I’m really delighted. It’s fantastic. Not only for me but for the club and the whole team behind us.

“I am sort of stunned really to get this award. It’s brilliant.

“It is a great achievement for the club and that is what it’s about, not just one individual.” The awards recognise the contribution local people have made in inspiring others to take up physical activity, as well as individual and team excellence in sport.

And without Donovan, Slough ABC would not be running. He has been involved since 1985 and never missed one night’s training since then.

He is a role model to children and young adults, and is well respected in Slough for all his efforts in making a difference to people’s lives.

Donovan added: “The club is very close to my heart. Actually our lives really revolve around the boxing club as well.

“We offer people a healthy lifestyle. We want to get them fit and eventually participating in amateur boxing, which is the main aim.

“Even if we only get young people off the street and fit and involved we have done a good job.

“I’m sure that the benefits people gain from that, both sports and health wise, is going to be a good achievement.

“Hopefully we will still keep going. There’s going to be some room for a lot more younger people to come in.

“We’re looking for fresh volunteers and guys with new ideas. Things change and they will bring new ideas into the club.

“The potential is there and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards from here.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action including more from the Get Berkshire Active Inspiration & Participation Awards** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports**