Doha College celebrated sporting success with a guest appearance by Great Britain’s paralympian Ben Sneesby (19).  Over 110 athletes from a mix of sports were honoured during the college’s Sports Awards Evening.
This annual Awards Evening recognises and rewards sporting achievements. Over 200 awards were presented. The top 3 awards were the boys and girls Team of the Year won by the U-16 Boys Football Team and the U-16 Girls Netball Team, Sportsman of the Year was presented to Devin Brooks, and Sportswoman of the Year was presented jointly to Hollie Jenkins and Demi Quickfall.
Gary Froud, Head of PE at Doha College, explained how the honoured athletes were chosen. “Our winning sportsmen and sportswomen represent the college and excel in a number of sports, more importantly they show great leadership skills and are excellent ambassadors for sport across Qatar.” The guest of honour for the evening was Paralympian Ben Sneesby who competed in the Sochi 2014 Paralympics achieving 11th place in the seated Alpine Skiing Competition.  
Ben was diagnosed with cancer at just 3 months but thanks to family support he competes in wheelchair basketball, seated alpine skiing and most recently wheelchair racing.
Ben explained to the audience of students, parents and governors his motivation to compete in the Paralympics. “I started playing sport when I was 8 and I loved the physical challenge, I always dreamt of competing professionally. Before the Olympics I had an intensive 18 month training schedule, it’s not always easy to get up and force yourself to train.
“If worthwhile things were easy then everyone would do them, as an athlete you have to stay focused, be committed and balance your social life and sporting success.”
Ben also explained why he chose skiing as his competing sport; “I’m 19 years old and I like adrenaline and speed so skiing challenges me both physically and mentally, you have to concentrate on each run, mistakes can be fatal.”
Jan McGuire a member of the Board of Governors summed up the event: “The long list of achievements of the college’s sporting teams and individuals celebrated is testament to the hard work, patience and persistence of the PE department who encourage all students to achieve their best in all aspects of their physical education, from team games, individual sports through to national competitions and regional tournaments.
“Ben Sneesby our guest speaker was superb and highly appropriate for the audience. What an excellent role model to us all and a reminder that nothing and indeed no one should limit our capabilities, expectations and ambitions.”