Sport Pembrokeshire Chairman’s Special Award:
 
Matt Bush recognised by Chairman’s Special Award (Presented by Cllr Steve Alderman).

 
Matt Bush  is a phenomenal athlete whose journey epitomizes resilience, dedication, and triumph— Ladies and gentlemen it gives us great pleasure to call to the stage Paralympic gold medallist Matt Bush.
 
Matt’s victory in the taekwondo K44 +80kg category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a landmark moment for Pembrokeshire sport. In the 18-year history of the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards, we have never before celebrated a gold medal Paralympian. Tonight, we do so with immense pride.
 
Matt began his journey as a javelin thrower before transitioning to para taekwondo in 2016, where he quickly became a global powerhouse. In 2019, he made history as Britain’s first para taekwondo world champion.
 
Despite setbacks, including missing the 2021 Paralympics due to injury, Matt’s determination never wavered. He claimed his second world title in 2023 and struck gold at the European Taekwondo Championships.
 
At Paris 2024 Matt become the first man to win a taekwondo medal for Paralympics GB. Showing nerves of steel, he totally dominated his final in the +80kg category, beating neutral athlete Aliaskhab Ramazanov 5-0.
 
Following his victory in the gold medal contest, Matt received the prestigious honour of being one of Great Britain’s flagbearers for the closing Paralympic ceremony, alongside swimmer Poppy Maskill.
 
Congratulations Matt on your extraordinary career, your Paralympic triumph, and on receiving this Chairman’s Award tonight.