The race is on to find the finalists of the Leeds Sports Awards 2014 from here in South Leeds
The Leeds Sports Awards is returning in the New Year to celebrate the achievements of our city’s most inspirational sporting heroes. With a stunning new venue and a host of top name stars, the event is not to be missed. The awards are a fantastic opportunity for Leeds to showcase its world class sporting talent, as well as the outstanding volunteers, coaches and administrators who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the platform for our city’s sporting success.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 27th February 2014 at New Dock Hall. Last year’s event saw a record number of over 500 attendees and it is hoped that with the excitement building around the 2014 Commonwealth Games, this record will be broken once again.
Last year the South Leeds based Hunslet Club won the Outstanding Community Sports Club Award in recognition of its far reaching work with children, young people and adults across the area in football, rugby, boxing and gymnastics.
Speaking of the benefits of being nominated for and winning a Leeds Sports Award, Craig Gilmore, Sports Development Officer at the club said:
The legacy of the awards has taken this club to new heights in a short space of time. Our increased profile has helped boost membership, numbers of volunteers and allowed us to do more to help the community we serve, it really gave the kids something to celebrate too by adding something so prestigious to our trophy cabinet. It’s nice to see positive community teamwork and volunteering rewarded.
Nominations are now open for the awards and this year we want everyone to think about putting someone forward to help us find the city’s unsung heroes and inspirational and talented sports stars. We hope you will make a nomination and ensure that your club, performers, officials and your sport receive the recognition they deserve. Don’t forget, the finalists in each category will be invited to attend the awards ceremony. Categories range from Professional Club/Team of the Year to Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Jonny Bairstow, Yorkshire & England Cricketer who attended the launch said:
The public nominating is such an important aspect of these awards. Playing for Yorkshire at Headingley, you’re always conscious that you’re representing the local area, so to be recognised by those you represent would be a great feeling.”
While Josh Gardener (wheelchair rugby and basketballer and 2013 Leeds Sports Awards Highly Commended Young disability performer) said
“It’s good to see the amazing talent in Leeds. The breadth of the awards is amazing. From professional rugby players to local sports coaches, there is a chance for everybody to be recognised for their hard work.”
Anyone wishing to make a nomination should complete the nomination form online at www.leedssportsawards.co.uk
Awards will be judged by an independent panel of sporting partners from across the city and nominations close on Friday 13thDecember 2013.
Categories are:
Young achiever – under-18s
Young Sportsperson
Young Disability Sportsperson
Young Club/Team
Junior Sportsperson U14 in association with Breeze Active
Senior achiever – over-18s
Sportsman
Sportswoman
Sportsperson – Disability
Club/Team – Professional
Club/Team – Non-professional
Professional Sportsperson
Special Contribution
Award for Student Sport
Coach – Participation
Coach – Performance
Sports Volunteer
Outstanding Service to Sport
Service to P.E. and School Sport
Eligibility for Awards
• Individuals must either:
– Live within the Leeds City Council boundaries
– Represent a club or train within the Leeds City Council boundaries
– Attend a University, College or School within the Leeds City Council boundaries.
• For coach participation(grassroots) or coach performance, both full and part-time coaches are eligible
• For the club/team awards, the club/team must be based within the Leeds City Council boundaries
• Young Sportsman (18 or under on 1st September 2013)
• Young Sportswoman (18 or under on 1st September 2013)
• Junior Sportsperson (boys and girls aged 14 or under on 1st September 2013)
