On Sunday the 17th of June the Olympic Torch Relay came to Middlesbrough and running a stretch of the relay was Redcar Judo Club’s Steven Tilley.  

Steven had been supported in his application to be a torch bearer by the British Judo Association and was backed all the way by his family and friends and one of his former coaches Alan Cawthorne.

The 19-year-old was the Junior Chairman of Redcar Judo Club from 2007 – 2009 and in 2008 received the Young Volunteer of the Year Award at British Judo’s Annual Awards Evening along with the club receiving the Club of the Year prize. 

At the age of 15 Steven made a presentation to the National Coaching Congress about the benefits of young people being involved in the running of judo clubs. Steven is now studying at Sunderland University and whilst he is at home for the summer will work alongside his former coach Alan Cawthorne as part of a Premier League 4 Sport event leading up to the Olympics in July.

The Mini Olympics being run in Redcar will have Steven with his Torch light up their version of the Olympic Flame which will burn throughout the four day event. Steven will then work as a volunteer helping to deliver a range of sports including judo. 

Anybody in the Redcar Area who would like their children to join in the experience can call Alan Cawthorne on 07760 162758, age restrictions are 8 years and over. The event has received financial support from the Tees Valley Community Foundation group.