The 11-year-old has been in fine form on the track this term with a number of impressive displays in the Ultimate Racenights.
During five of the meets at Dubai Sports City, Woodward showcased her potential, achieving a personal best and season record of 48.59 seconds in the 300m – a discipline she won four times. She even excelled in the 150m with another personal best and record of 21.18s, while 11.57s is her fastest in the 80m.
Representing BSAK, her highlight came in the Under-11 COBIS Games in Kazakhstan. In a competition that attracted strong international schools, the youngster claimed silver in the 400m with an impressive time of 67.17s, while also helping her team win bronze in the 4x100m relay.
Those efforts as well as her potential, saw her rewarded with a one-year scholarship worth more than Dh7,000.
From next season she will receive two free coaching sessions, free entry to Racenights, an elite athlete’s training kit and a training diary.
For Woodward, she became the first athlete from Abu Dhabi to receive this award and was thrilled to be chosen.
“I am so excited to be able to train twice a week, I love running as it makes me feel alive and gives me a buzz,” she said.
“I can’t wait until September to start the scholarship and compete in the Racenights again.”
Lisa Campbell of UAE-based Ultimate Athletics, added: “Neve has a great attitude, always wants to improve and is really motivated.”
