A SOCIETY dedicated to the Patron Saint of England is encouraging British youngsters to reach their full potential.
The Royal Society of St George’s Greater Manchester Branch recently honoured Aimee Pratt for her outstanding work as a young athlete.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith presented Aimee with an award, with society chairman is Roy Warren, from Timperley, offering his congratulations to the teen on behalf of the society.
Aimee’s promising athletic career is being supported by the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF), which was formed in 2010 by the former international athlete Diane Modahl.
The aim of the foundation is to use the power of sport to raise aspirations of disadvantaged young people and give them the resources, experience and knowledge they need to mould their own futures.
In 2012, DMSF discovered a then 13-year-old athlete Aimee Pratt.
Since being involved with the foundation, Aimee has been named English Schools 15000m Steeple Chase Champion 2015 and British Under 20 3000m Steeple Chase Champion 2015 and 2016.
Last year, she also qualified for the World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz in Poland, where she finished 16th, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the final.
She has now set her sights on representing Britain in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Aimee Pratt receiving her Royal Society of St George award from Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith (right) and branch chairman Roy Warren (left)
The Royal Society of St George aims to recognise the achievements of British citizens and honour their contribution to their country.
Chairman Roy said Aimee was a great ambassador Greater Manchester.
He added: “Aimee has learned great discipline both personally and as an athlete through her bespoke training programme provided by DMSF.”
As well as being chaired by a Trafford resident, the secretary of the Greater Manchester branch of The Royal Society of St George is from Sale, Michael J Riley.
On Friday April 21, the society, which was founded in 1894 with the object of promoting ‘Englishness’ and the English way of life, held their annual St George’s Dinner at The Monastery Manchester.
Well-known journalist and broadcaster Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive at St Ann’s Hospice, was the guest speaker and Altrincham and Sale West candidate Graham Brady was also in attendance.
As well as marking England's National Day (April 23), the black-tie event celebrated the 91st birthday and 70th wedding anniversary of its Royal Patron, Her Majesty the Queen.
For more information on the Royal Society of St George, visit royalsocietyofstgeorge.com.
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