Karen Tonge
MBE HONOUR commended to Cheshire Sports Trust Board Member, Karen Tonge, named Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.). Congratulations!
(Courtesy of English Table Tennis 7/1/2009)
Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington and Lewis Hamilton enjoyed outstanding success in 2008 in what was an exceptional year for British sport; the result is all three are named in the Queen’s New Year's Honours list released on Thursday 1st January 2009.
The issuing of the honours is a unique British institution, the awards acknowledge outstanding achievement and service to the nation; lining up alongside those with World and Olympic gold medals to their name is a stalwart of English table tennis.
Karen Tonge is named Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.).
World Stars
Cyclist Hoy is knighted after winning three gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games whilst double gold medal winning swimmer Adlington becomes an OBE.
Meanwhile, the newly crowned Formula One motor racing champion, Hamilton is made an MBE.
Prestigious Company
The fact that Karen Tonge receives the same award as that presented to Lewis Hamilton, a man who earns millions of dollars from his endeavours in the high profile sport of Formula One and is a tax exile in
Contribution
It is an award that is richly deserved by the Blue Badge Umpire but it is not for her skills in the international table tennis arenas of the world for which she has been recognised.
It is for her immense voluntary contribution to the sport of table tennis.
Enriching Lives
Resident in Runcorn, a suburb of
“It came as a complete surprise”, said a delighted Karen Tonge. “With so many volunteers in sport it is fantastic that table tennis has been recognised.”
Certainly that is undoubtedly true and is a deserved reward for her, a person who gives her time freely and seeks no financial gain.
This news also featured in the Runcorn Weekly News, Chester Chronicle and Macclesfield Express.
To read Karen's Board Profile click here