Congratulations to Rowena White and Giorgio Provenza, the winners of the two educational awards from 2019.

ROWENA WHITE was awarded the Alec Salisbury Award
The Alec Salisbury award is assigned each year in recognition of a school teacher who has made a significant contribution to Youth Bridge. The Fulford School (York) Bridge Club was set up by Rowena in 2011. The past eight years have seen her persistent promotion lead to an increase in the popularity of school bridge. With over 100 pupils playing, the club boasts serious players but has also been open to pupils of lesser ability and those with autism and other disorders. Rowena has been a massive advocate of the EBED Junior Award Scheme since its inception and in Summer 2019 had six students gaining a bronze award. There are very few state secondary schools with bridge clubs and Rowena’s outstanding contribution, hitherto unrecognised, is certainly well deserving of the award.

GIORGIO PROVENZA was awarded the Tom Bradley Award
The Tom Bradley Award is assigned each year to a non-school teacher for services to education which make a significant contribution to the success of Youth Bridge. As the U16 squad leader, Giorgio has been patient, positive and has contributed a lot of his own time to help others progress and prosper. He acts professionally and also listens to people. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of the players and puts strategies in place to improve their game. Giorgio has brought on players from absolute beginners to representing the England U16 junior team. Perhaps his best achievement thus far is seeing a former student of his win a silver medal in a Junior World Championship. He also contributes to running teaching courses around south-west London.