18. October 2007  
London, Great Britain  
Sports Acrobatics

Highest Award for Professor Patricia Wade

Bishop Georg STACK,
Prof. Patricia WADE

Genuinely respected throughout the world Professor Patricia Wade, President of the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee, was awarded "Pro Ecclessia et Pontifice", on 2 October 2007 at the St Mary’s University College, London at the celebration of her career of 41 years in education and sport.
Bishop George Stack from Westminster dioceses on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI conferred the gold medal award Pro Ecclessia et Pontifice, known as the "Cross of Honour for Church and Pope".
It is the award of highest distinction given by the Catholic Church to lay people and was awarded for a distinguished career of exceptional scholarship, research and contribution to the education of children, the training of new teachers and the education of teachers....

Professor Patricia WADE

Highest Award for Professor Patricia Wade

Professor Patricia Wade said:
“Personally I was overwhelmed by the surprise presentation. I have never had a day at work which I did not enjoy and certainly had no expectation of recognition in such an outstanding way. My love has been for teaching no matter what the context and seeking potential and helping it to develop. I have had the good fortune to be mentored by and led very talented people throughout my dual career in education and gymnastic sport. I had parents who planted ethics deep into my mind and soul and supported me to use God-given gifts.
I shall always be thankful for their part in my life history.
Living with cancer is a new career to now follow but what I have learned is that no matter what life circumstance presents, I shall always be a teacher and that education is the greatest wealth I have. This award will keep me constantly aware of what joy is to be had from teaching and sharing”.

Source: British Gymnastics; Vera ATKINSON