LAST Friday saw the glamorous 'London Celebrating Sport & Physical Activity' awards ceremony at Chelsea FC where Miriam Pupalova, Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) Development Officer, scooped the 'Community Coach of the Year' award, beating 350 hopefuls and three finalists to the honour.

Miriam has been working hard to develop Handball in east London, where she now has over 200 people attend her sessions every week in Stratford, Leyton, Newham and Eastlea. Combined with this Miriam has also worked closely with Newham Council to develop players and coaches in Newham schools as well as a development team to represent Newham in future tournaments.

"When my name was called out my sister and I jumped up and screamed," explained Miriam. "I was really nervous and didn't know whether to cry or be happy when I won the award."

"I want to say a big thank you to Leyton Orient and Newham Council as well as all the people who trusted and believed in me all the way through my work, because without their help I wouldn't be able to develop Handball the way it is now.

"I have worked very hard the past two years and will now have to work even harder to win it next year!"

For Miriam, the award doesn't mean she will be resting on her laurels - she is busier than ever.

"I am aiming to develop Handball more in Primary and Secondary schools and aim to start U16 and U14 leagues, possibly with a view to playing international matches.

"I also aim to train more school PE teachers to become Handball coaches in schools."

With an award under her belt already, Miriam hopes to have another success in the near future - but through the classroom.

"Every month I go back to Slovakia to Comenius University in Bratislava," said Miriam, who was born in Slovakia. "I am currently studying for my International Handball Coaching qualification, which involves theoretical and practical sessions and if I gain this, it lets me coach around the world!"

Everyone at LOCSP would like to congratulate Miriam on her success. For more information, please contact LOCSP on 020 8556 5973 or email enquiries@locsp.org