Local sporting success will be celebrated at the fifth Wiltshire Sports Awards in Trowbridge on October 22.
More than 100 nominations were received this year, all of which highlighted the exceptional work and achievements of athletes, sports clubs, volunteers and coaches across Wiltshire.
The shortlisted nominees from each category have been invited to attend the event which will be hosted once again by former England rugby captain, Phil de Glanville and attended by special guest speaker, heptathlete Kelly Sotherton. Kelly won Gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and was a bronze medallist at the 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Championships.
The Landmarc-sponsored awards event will be held at County Hall, and jointly hosted by Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Health Improvement Panel, and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport.
Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, said: “I am constantly amazed by the hard work and dedication of those involved in sport in Wiltshire. These awards go some way to recognising the exceptional talent of athletes, sports clubs, volunteers and coaches across the county. I congratulate all of those who have been shortlisted and look forward to seeing them on October 22 and hearing about their achievements.”
Maggie Rae, corporate director, said: “We are lucky to have so many talented and dedicated people involved in sport throughout Wiltshire and these awards will be a fitting recognition of their hard work. I wish all those nominated the best of luck and hope they continue to fly the flag for sport and active lifestyles throughout the county.”
Steve Boocock, CEO of Wiltshire and Swindon Sport, said: “These awards highlight not only those who excel in their sport but the unsung heroes and heroines whose work goes on unnoticed behind the scenes. Sport is such an important part in many people’s lives and with these awards we are looking to recognise their achievements and celebrate the success and dedication at all levels of sport in Wiltshire.”
Paralympian Aaron Moores, who won an award in 2012 and is shortlisted again, said: “Winning the 2012 Sports Personality of the Year Athlete with a Disability wrapped up a great year for me after London 2012 Paralympics. It was great to get the support and recognition from my county at these awards and meant a lot to me. I am honoured to be shortlisted again this year in the company of really talented sports stars which goes to show the strength of sport in Wiltshire.”
Last year’s Sports Club of the Year award winner was Sarum Orienteering. Club chair Mark White said: “We were so please to be shortlisted for Sports Club of the Year last year. We felt it was a real recognition of what the club is doing at the grass roots level of sport with the support of amazing club volunteers. And then to actually be named Club of the Year was unbelievable.”
The award categories and shortlist are:
Shortlisted nominees (listed alphabetically)
Sports Personality of the Year
Lizzie Clifford, Salisbury – Athletics
Laura Halford, Cricklade – Rhythmic Gymnastics
Stephanie Millward, Corsham – Swimming
Sports Personality of the Year – Athlete with a Disability
Dan Bethell , Chippenham – Para Badminton
Stephanie Millward, Corsham – Swimming
Aaron Moore, Trowbridge – Swimming
Young Sports Personality of the Year
Lauren Booth , Chippenham – Cycling
Peter Kibble, New Zealand Nr Calne – Cycling
Polly Maton , Urchfont Nr. Devizes – Athletics
Coach of the Year – Voluntary
David Alstowe, Royal Wootton Bassett – Swimming
Helen Glasgow, Wilton Nr. Salisbury – Netball
Lee Ness, Salisbury – Athletics
Coach of the Year – Professional
Jimmy Deane, Bath – Street Games
Shaun Green, Figheldean Nr Salisbury – Triathlon and Cycling
Mark Kent, Trowbridge – Boxing
Inclusion Coach of the Year
Colin Baross, Devizes – Athletics
Brian Evans Partrick Johnson & Gareth Evans AFC Melksham Ability Counts team, Melksham – Football
Young Coach of the Year
Elly Humphries , Alderbury Nr. Salisbury – Cheerleading
Sam Cox, Devizes – Athletics
Dan Colby, Luggershall – Canoeing
Sports Club of the Year
Marborough Youth Football Club
Salisbury Tri Club
Trowbridge Rugby Football Club
Most Inclusive Club of the Year
AFC Melksham Ability Counts – Football
Unsung Hero of the Year
Andrew Brown , Royal Wootton Bassett – Swimming
Stuart Henderson, Lacock – Athletics
Rebecca Smith, Trowbridge – Swimming
Long Service to Sport
Norman Mussell, Marlborough- Cricket
Andrew Peirce, Marshfield Nr Chippenham – Cricket
Marion and Dave Picter, Malmesbury- Football
Young Volunteer of the Year
Becky Davidson- Smith,Corsham- Netball
Ben Holloway, Chippenham – Swimming
Jordan Hyde, Calne – Skating