AIB Jersey held their annual “Sponsor Reception” on Friday, 16 December 2011, at AIB House. AIB Jersey run a variety of cultural, environmental and sporting sponsorship programmes and each year holds an award ceremony and buffet. AIB Jersey has been part of the local community for over 30 years, supporting sport and education.
After a busy year, the event gave AIB Jersey the opportunity to socialise with the clubs’ representatives and celebrate their achievements, reinforcing AIB Jersey’s support to the sponsored clubs and organisations.
The reception included the awarding of the 6th AIB Jersey Perpetual Trophy to the AIB
Tigers Swimming Club and the Jersey Surfboard Club. The awards are known as:
· The Swimmers’ Swimmer of the year award; and the 2011 winner is: Rhianna
Donaldson
· The Surfers’ Surfers of the year award and the 2011 winner is: Matthew
Chapman
The Guest of Honour was Paul Masterton, Chief Executive of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, who awarded the trophies.
Matthew was nominated by surfboard club members and shortlisted and was ultimately chosen for his achievements and sportsmanship over the years.
Matthew's Bio
Matt has been competing in surf competitions since he was 7. At 9 years old he entered the Quiksilver under 10s world championships In France. After 3 days competing he made it to the final and finished 3rd. It was the highest placing for a British surfer. Matt was then made a member of the Quiksilver UK squad.
At 13 he was taken by Quiksilver to a training camp in Australia and surfed with some of the top surfers in the world. At 15 he became the British Schools champion after winning the under 16s Event in Devon. At 16 he was picked for the Great British Junior under 18 team, to compete at the World championships in New Zealand. The team finished in a respectable 11th place.
In 2011 he competed in his first Pro Am under 21 contest in France and surfed well enough to make it through the first 2 rounds. Also this year he was picked to surf for Jersey in the Senior European Championships held in Bundoran Ireland. The Jersey team finished in 5th place, which was a good result. He won the AIB Junior Series of three contests. Then he won the Channel Island Junior contest and on the same day, Matt won the Channel Islands Men’s open title. Matt is the youngest surfer to have won this competition.
Other notable nominations who were shortlisted: Charlie Rio, Chantelle Coote and Josh Evans.
The Jersey Surfboard Club congratulates Matthew and wishes the thank AIB Jersey for their support in 2011.
