Rick Betts

Rickman (Rick) Betts is a legend in grassroots Athletics in Teesside and one of the youth coaches with Middlebrough (Mandale) Athletics Club. Rick has spent years coaching, training and, ultimately, inspiring generations of teenagers giving them focus, self-discipline, goals and ambitions - some from among the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK. Rick has a natural manner, firm and fair that teenagers both respect and respond to, in ways parents often cannot do. As a parent, it is humbling to see the fondness they develop for him and the way he fosters team spirit and team pride for each other. I nominate Rick for the hours he sacrifices selflessly, week in, week out, in all weathers, for no personal reward other than to see 'his' teenagers compete, 'grow' and win. I know that a great many of his 'kids' and former 'kids' would overflow with pride to see Rick carry the Olympic Torch on the Middlebrough leg on the 17th June 2012. Please support this nomination. [PS: I have only a Mobile number for Rick. I don't think he has a landline phone at home].