Last call for nominations for Teignbridge Sports Personality Awards 2013
A call has gone out to all sports stars as Teignbridge District Council gears up for the annual Teignbridge Sports Personality Awards.
Nominations are now being sought for this year's awards gala on Friday 29 November at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren.
Anyone can submit nominations for the sportspeople, volunteers and coaches they think deserve special recognition. Quick and convenient online nominations are being welcomed at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/sportspersonalityawards
Nominations must be in by Monday 16 September 2013.
The yearly event has become one of the largest of its kind, recognising and rewarding a number of athletes, teams, volunteers, coaches, and unsung heroes for their hard work and dedication to sport, health and physical activity across the district and many local communities.
The 2013 awards are supported by Newton Abbot Races Ltd, Palm FM, Mid Devon Advertiser and Stage Engage. There are 13 different categories with each one aiming to showcase the individuals and teams who have made a huge difference in sport, physical activity or health within Teignbridge over the last 12 months.
There is a new category this year: Club of the Year. This will be given to the club which has achieved success in a sporting and community context.
Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Communities, Recreation and Leisure said:
"Our Sports Personality Awards are one of the highlights of the year, both for us and all our local sporting superstars. 2013 has seen much success in the sporting world - Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, Chris Froome winning the Tour de France and retaining the Ashes - so it's especially fitting to recognise all the hard work of local people who make a difference in sport.
"And that's not just about people who play a sport. Teignbridge has lots of volunteers working in schools, clubs and communities to promote sport, health and physical activity and they are equally as important as those who excel in their sport.
"Nominations are really easy and won't take long - so we would urge people to get in touch and tell us about your local sporting heroes.
"We would also like to invite businesses, clubs and organisations to become part of this prestigious event by offering opportunities for sponsorship. We are keen to hear from local businesses who'd like to support sports, show their appreciation for local sportspeople and volunteers, and reach new potential customers at the same time."
Previous winners of Teignbridge's overall Sports Personality of the Year prize - chosen from the winners of all the evening's categories - have included London 2012 Paralympic Bronze Medallist, sports-shooter James Bevis, pictured above with Council Leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Mary King from the British Olympic Equestrian team; David Swift from the GB Skeleton Bob team; Jai Geyer, the GB Skiing Champion; and local woman Natalie Melmore, who became the 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist for Ladies Single Bowls.
For each category a judging panel will narrow the field to a shortlist of three, who will then be invited to attend the Sports Personality Awards presentation evening along with a guest. In addition to all short listed nominees, their nominators will also be invited to attend the awards ceremony.
There will be a charity raffle in aid of the Chairman's Charity, The Rotary Club's Wheelchair Appeal if you can donate a prize please contact activeleisure@teignbridge.gov.uk or phone 01626 215861.
