Jordan Scoops Award

THE on court achievements of Dalepak sponsored tennis player Jordan Parker have been recognised in the 2008 Kettering Sports Awards.

For just days after winning the 14 & Under Boys Singles at the Northamptonshire Junior County Closed Championships, the 13 year-old from Barton Seagrave was honoured with a prestigious sporting award.

Having been short-listed in the category of Young Male Sports Achiever of the Year for the awards ceremony at The Pavilion, Wicksteed Park in Kettering, there was an air of expectation as the nominations (also including a judo champion, darts player and table tennis player were read out).

That quickly became realisation and a case of ‘Come On Down’ for Jordan when his name was called out as the award winner

Dalepak managing director Mick White, who cemented the tie-up with Jordan, his father Neil and mother Abbie, was present at the ceremony and one of the first to congratulate Jordan, asking the youngster to sign his programme as a future keepsake and investment for the day he wins Wimbledon!

Now Jordan’s name will be put forward to the Northamptonshire Sports Awards which are held in November.

Only four days earlier, Jordan had clinched an exciting three set victory over his close rival Shakeel Manji in the Northants County Closed, adding the 14s event to the 12 & Under title which he won in 2007.

During the same tournament he also reached the final of the mixed doubles only to narrowly lose with his partner Chrissie Shortland.

Dalepak will now be supporting Jordan as he embarks on another exciting chapter in his blossoming career, the start of a full time place at Loughborough University where he will get the chance to develop his tennis prowess in tandem with his education.

Mick White said: “Jordan is a terrific young lad who shows a real will to win. It’s great he will now have the opportunity to improve his game even more significantly at Loughborough.”

(Picture courtesy of Northampton Chronicle & Echo)