Information on Loughborough

Harry Gets Set for Charnwood Sports Awards

Posted on 02/03/2009

ONE of Great Britains top hopes for a London 2012 Olympic medal is encouraging people to get behind the brand new Charnwood Sports Awards.

Sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is hoping the Charnwood Borough Council initiative - which aims to celebrate the sporting success of individuals, teams and volunteers in the area - will be well supported.

Aikines-Aryeetey, who was a member of the Team GB squad at the Beijing Olympics, says Sports Awards like this can have a huge impact on an athletes focus and drive to succeed.

And he should know. Having won a Sutton Borough Council sports award as an up-and-coming athlete, he was then named BBCs Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005.

"It was awesome winning that, said the 20-year-old Loughborough University student, who won gold at the 2005 World Youth Championships in the 100m and 200m. "When you look at the past winners, you feel a responsibility to keep the standards up.

"When I won the Sutton Borough Council Sports Awards, it was amazing. I was 15 and I trained harder and better. Thats why I would encourage people to send in nominations (for the Charnwood Sports Awards) " the whole Borough should get involved.

"When people recognise what youre doing, it makes you feel proud and you strive to do better.

The Charnwood Sports Awards are not just about recognising those people who actively compete in a variety of sports.

They also look to honour the dedicated volunteers who give up their spare time to coach teams or individuals and those who work behind the scenes to help a club run smoothly.

In all, there are 13 categories and those shortlisted after the closing date of Friday, September 11 will be invited to a presentation ceremony at Loughborough Town Hall on Thursday, October 22 when the winners will be announced.

Cllr Peter Lewis, Charnwood Borough Councils Cabinet member for Leisure, added: "These Awards are about people who simply inspire. When you see them, or you cheer them on, you feel better in yourself.

"So please tell us who has inspired you!

"In doing so, you will be saying thank you to people who make Charnwood a refreshing place to live in " and an exciting place for all our children to grow up.

To find out more about the Charnwood Sports Awards, see the spring edition of Charnwood News, the Councils magazine for residents, which is currently being delivered to every home and business in the Borough.

There is an extended interview with Aikines-Aryeetey and a pullout four-page nomination form which includes everything you need to know about the Awards.

Alternatively, call Charnwood Borough Councils Leisure Services team on (Loughborough 01509) 634 673, log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwoodsportsawards or email sport@charnwood.gov.uk.