Do you know a sporting star?
THE Gazette today launches its inaugural Sports Awards, as we look to reward the best sporting talent in South Tyneside.
The borough has a long and illustrious sporting heritage, with dozens of famous names making their mark on the national – and world – stage.
Now, in conjunction with sponsors Mortimer Community College, we are set to reward the sportsmen and women who regularly excel in their chosen discipline. And we need your help!
Click here to download a nomination form
Our judging panel will then consider each entry, before the winners are announced at a prize-giving evening at Mortimer College on Saturday, May 22.
Gazette editor John Szymanksi said: "South Tyneside, like the rest of the North East, has long been a hotbed of sport – and our awards aim to reflect that passion and commitment.
"Our inaugural Sports Awards will honour those who have shown excellence in their chosen discipline, achieved against the odds and are a shining example of sporting endeavour.
"If you know someone who deserves an award for their talent, determination and hard work, then please do nominate them.
"As a judge, I want my job to be made extremely difficult by having a strong field to choose from.
"We are looking forward to the ceremony in May and showing that sport in South Tyneside, from the grass roots upwards, plays an important part in people's lives and is thriving."
Another member of the judging panel is swimmer Chris Cook, who helped launch our awards today with another former Mortimer pupil, England Women's rugby vice-captain Katy McLean.
Chris started his career at the age of 10 with South Tyneside Swimming Club, before making the England squad, becoming national and Commonwealth record-holder in the 100m breastroke, competing in two Olympic Games, picking up two gold medals in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a World Short Course Championship bronze.
But for all his success, he hasn't forgotton his roots.
"I'm still actively involved with various grass-roots organisations," he said.
"There's some great talent in South Tyneside, and if we can get the skill level right at the lower end, it can filter through and help to keep people improving.
"We, in this region, can achieve great things if we have the belief and confidence.
"You see how people like Joe McElderry and Ridley Scott have done well in other areas – we're all born with the same credentials.
"If these awards had been around when I was young and just starting off, I would have definitely given them a go.
"It's all about pushing yourself and trying to achieve success. They are a fantastic idea for South Tyneside.
"Who knows, we could find the borough's next great star in these awards?"
Katy McLean, who is set to captain her country this weekend, added: "I think the awards are a great idea, and will help local sportspeople at all levels get the recognition they deserve.
"I'd urge anyone who knows of someone they feel is deserving of winning to fill in a nomination form and send it in."
There are 10 awards in total, and the deadline for nominations is Monday, April 19.
The categories are: Team Award, Junior Team Award, Special Achievement Award, Junior Special Achievement Award, Coach/Mentor Award, Contribution to Disability Sport, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and Editor's Award.
The Sportsman/woman of the Year awards will be chosen by the panel of judges from the winners of all other categories.
The Editor's Award will be chosen out of all the nominations.
Click here to download a nomination form
Email to a friend
Print this page- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading, Tottenham, West Brom
- Transfer Rumours May 12: Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Reading
- Sammy Ameobi will be a big player for Newcastle United next season
- Tearoom throws out Anthem row trio
- Newcastle in talks over Cardiff friendly
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Jarrow
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
