UK Athletics have won the prestigious prize for the 'Worst Governing Body' at yesterday evening's European Sporting Howlers Awards. UKA, who lost out to the French Cricket Board last year, were commended for their "lack of coherent leadership and cliquey approach to selection" as well as a "complete ineptitude to finances". A spokesman for the judging panel said, "UKA have really weakened their game this year- they were close in 2009 and the judges were impressed by even more failings this year."
Accepting the award, UKA's Chief Executive Niels De Vos hailed a "wonderful day" for British sport. "This is such a shock...we really thought that Snowsport UK had it in the bag this year," he said "I would like to thank everyone at Athletics House for all their incompetence". De Vos went on to say that he would now be targeting the Global version of the award later this year- "that's where we are headed now. It's very exciting....of course we have a lot of laziness and arrogance ahead, as well as the European Championships to mess up first".
It was not all glory for the British, however. UKA's head of endurance, Ian Stewart was just beaten by the Fijian Director of Equestrian Development Wasta Spaceo, in the 'Worst Departmental Head' category. Speaking to the Lufbra Echo after the dinner Stewart said, "well obviously it's disappointing to lose out again [he was third last year], but I feel that I am really going backwards now and so there is always next year." The Scot went on, "this is a great night for UKA, but we must guard against hard work if we are to maintain our low standards."