Duke Nelligan, the Bermuda head coach, has been honoured by the University of Maryland at a special event for his contribution to its gymnastics team.

Nelligan returned to the university, where he served as head coach for 31 years, last weekend to receive his award.

While at Maryland, Nelligan coached hundreds of national and elite level gymnasts.

Since moving to Bermuda five years ago, Nelligan has transformed the Southside National Training Centre into an elite facility, which hosted the NatWest Island Games gymnastics competition, and started a competitive boys’ programme.

He is now preparing Bermuda’s national team for major international meets, including next week’s Junior Pan American Championships, where Clara James and Danielle Wall will compete in Aracaju, Brazil.

Nelligan was succeeded at the University of Maryland by his son, Brett Nelligan, who served as his assistant for several years.