Olympian Jo pops in to present college awards

Newton Abbot College held its annual sports awards, with Olympic long-distance runner Joanne Pavey handing out the prizes.
Pavey – a World, European, and Commonwealth medallist and five-time Olympian – who lives in Devon, was in attendance as part of Team GB’s partnership with Persimmon Homes, a five-star housebuilder that employs hundreds of people across the South-West of England.
As part of its Community Champions initiative which supports the communities where Persimmon build, the business has also donated £1,000 to the College given its strong local presence in Newton Abbot.
The ceremony was held at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre and is an annual event to mark the achievements of the College’s sports teams.
Persimmon Homes South West’s Sales Director Stacey Harris, who was at the ceremony, said: “It was a pleasure to be at Newton Abbot College to see their athletes honoured for all their hard work, especially after supporting the College through our Community Champions initiative.
“We were delighted to secure the attendance of Olympian, Jo Pavey, for the College’s awards ceremony through our partnership with Team GB, and the young sportsmen and women were thrilled to hear about her incredible journey as a world-class athlete.
“We’re building quality new homes at Bradley Barton View and with further plans to expand in the area, Persimmon is determined to leave a positive legacy by contributing to and strengthening the local community.”
Joanne Pavey added: “I was really pleased that Team GB’s work with Persimmon Homes gave me the chance to pay tribute to the athletes of the future, especially as I live locally in Devon and love to see home-grown success.
“It’s fantastic that Newton Abbot College is so passionate about their sport and really celebrates the brilliant achievements of the students. The staff at the college do such a great job in providing the students with so many opportunities.”
Ian Patchett, Head of PE at Newton Abbot College commented:
“I am really grateful to Persimmon Homes South West for giving their support to the College – through both their donation and using their partnership with Team GB to get us such a great special guest in Jo Pavey.”