ANNOUNCING OUR AWARD WINNERS from the inaugural Police UK Sports Awards, proudly sponsored by Axon, held last week at the National Police Chiefs Council in Manchester.

The 2021 Community Award was won by Chris Corcoran a retired Detective Chief Superintendent from North Wales Police and he was presented his award on the night by Carl Foulkes, Chief Constable North Wales, Chair of PSUK Triathlon Section.

Chris is the Senior Instructor of the North Wales Police Self Defence Section and has been a member for over 45 years. During this time Chris has given up his time to instruct Police Officers, Staff members, Family, Friends and Members of Public in Self-Defence.

Numerous people have benefitted from Chris’s tuition and spiritual guidance over almost half a decade. The club is open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and does not charge for tuition. It practices the martial art of Kung Fu and members can progress through gradings, free of charge. This is unique amongst martial arts clubs.

Chris also puts on bespoke courses such as self-defence courses for women, children and people with physical and mental disabilities (also free of charge). Up until recently Chris was also heavily involved in taking disabled children on an annual trip to Lourdes.

Chris’s long association with North Wales Police and the Self Defence club is an inspiration to me and many members of the community. Despite his busy and distinguished career and charity work, he has managed to give up his time free of charge on a weekly basis in order to train a wide range of people in self-defence. This keeps people fit and healthy and also helps to maintain a positive outlook. Furthermore it has helped members including myself, to de-escalate situations safely and calmly that could otherwise have led to unnecessary violence or injury.

Chris has built and maintained strong relationships with the community through his work with the Church and the club, along with his other voluntary work.