CHARNWOOD SPORT STARS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED

The finalists for the Charnwood Sports Awards 2009 have been revealed.

On Monday, November 2 the borough’s brightest sporting stars, coaches and volunteers will gather at Loughborough Town Hall to find out who has won each of the 13 awards up for grabs.

The inaugural event, which has been organised by Charnwood Borough Council, will be hosted by the Sports Organiser at BBC East Midlands Today, Mark Shardlow.

The ceremony will culminate with the announcement of who has been named the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award, for someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes encouraging and supporting others.

Hoping to scoop the award will be Hugh Tierney of Thurmaston Magpies Junior FC and Charnwood Athletics coach Stuart Walker.

Both have enjoyed unparalleled achievements and accolades over the years, and will be hoping to add to that with recognition from the borough in which they live.

Meanwhile the Senior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year category has seen three times discus Paralympian Daniel Greaves from Anstey and four times Special Olympian swimmer Kirk Limmage from Mountsorrel nominated.

Also shortlisted by the judges is Barrow sprinter Owin Sinclair, Loughborough fencer Rachael Hamson and Birstall swimmer James Teagle, who are all vying for the title of Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

There are no shortages of talent for the contenders in the Senior Sportsperson of the Year who are World Championship bronze medallist and European U23 Champion, sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, World Champion and World Record Holder swimmer Liam Tancock and Triple World Championship medallist and double world record holder swimmer Jo Jackson.

As well as recognition for elite performers based at Loughborough University, awards will also be given to people from all areas of sport, from community heroes and coaches to those who have contributed to school sport at grass roots level.

Lead Member for Culture and Leisure at Charnwood Borough Council Peter Lewis said: “The event recognises the importance of paying tribute to the wealth of sporting talent in the borough, and whilst we look forward to having the chance to celebrate the achievements of the top sports stars based at Loughborough University, we are also excited by the depth of young sporting talent that is being cultivated by the borough’s sports clubs.

“I’m pleased to see these awards cover the talents of both disabled and non disabled sports men and women and recognise all their efforts and hard work.”

“Everyone who has been shortlisted for these rewards should be praised for their efforts and hard work.”

Event organiser Arran Coggan, Senior Sports Development Officer at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Participation, achievement and the benefits of being healthy are high on our agenda, and with the 2012 Games on the horizon we are striving with our partners to increase the number of residents taking part in sport and physical activity and improving opportunities for all.”

Sponsors of the awards evening include Serco, Loughborough University, South Charnwood Leisure Centre, design consultancy 5or6, and both Burleigh and South Charnwood School Sports Partnerships.

Finalists of the Charnwood Sports Awards have all been nominated for the East Midlands Sports Awards to be held at Loughborough University on December 3^rd and could find themselves shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Details of all the finalists are available on the Charnwood Borough Council website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwoodsportsawards