Nick crowns a fantastic year of sporting success at the Gwynedd Sports Awards

An North Wales Society of the Blind officer has crowned a fantastic year of para-archery successes coming second at the 2024 Gwynedd Sports Awards.

Nick Thomas, 46, from Talysarn, Nantlle Valley, Gwynedd is registered blind and works for the Society in Bangor.

Despite having a condition called Stargardt since he was 18, Nick has been very successful first as a footballer playing for England's blind team and more recently as a para-archer.

Nick, married to Marie and dad to Cadi and Hari, last week picked up a second place award in the 'Elite Older Athlete of the Year' category at the 2024 Gwynedd Sports Awards.

First was road cyclist Gareth McGuinness and John Bennett from Dysynni Hockey Club, Tywyn, third.

Introducing Nick, presenter Morgan Jones said: "Despite having a challenging year and suffering two strokes within 15 months - Nick has remained positive and worked very hard to prepare himself to compete and be a positive role model for his family and fans.

"2024 has been a successful year in competitions – the first success in February where he won a highly competitive field to become British Indoor Champion for the first time.

"Following this, he won the bronze medal while representing Britain at the European Para Archery Championships in Rome, in May.

"The final two competitions of the year were held at Lilleshall in early September - the National Disability Championships and the British Sports Outdoor Championships, where Nick won two silver medals and a place to represent Britain at the September 2025 World Para-Archery Championships in Korea."

After the ceremony, Nick said: "To be nominated for this award is an honour to be honest. To be shortlisted with the other names and see what they have achieved over the year has been a real pleasure.

"I think the talent in the county and what they achieve on the international stage is fantastic. It also shows that all the hard work and sacrifices that myself and my family have to do is seen and acknowledged."

Photograph shows Nick Thomas, middle receiving his award, with Daniel Joyce, left and Paul Jones, right, from Byw’n Iach, Gwynedd. (SportpicturesCymru)