The most anticipated sports event of the year is just around the corner.
The nominations are in as people across Hyndburn have been voting for the school they think deserves School of the Year at the Hyndburn Sports Awards.
The prestigious awards are an opportunity for us to recognise local supporting clubs, or teams that are performing at the top of their game, and give the public a chance to nominate the people they think should be awarded for their input into sports.
Organised by Hyndburn Council, the night aims to recognise the most inspiring sporting personalities and leaders across the borough. The School of the Year award, sponsored this year by the Accrington Observer, recognises schools for their achievements in sports over the last 12 months.
The winners of each category will then go on to represent the borough at the Lancashire Sports Awards in November.
The schools nominated for the award are last year’s winners Accrington Academy, St Charles CE Primary School in Rishton, Peel Park Primary School in Accrington, Green Haworth Primary School in Accrington, St Mary’s RC Primary School in Oswaldtwistle and Baxenden CE Primary School.
The schools that have been nominated have links to sporting organisations across the borough of Hyndburn including Rishton United, Blackburn Rovers Academy, Accrington Stanley and Accrington Tennis Club.
Hyndburn Council leader Coun Miles Parkinson says it’s important to recognise the people who work hard for sport in the area.
He said: “The sports awards recognise people young and old who are taking part and achieving in sport.
“It’s important for all age groups to take part in sport activities in general as part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Coun Parkinson said the awards help to raise the profile of sport in the area.
He said: “We have some sporting stars from Accrington who have gone on to the world’s stage and accomplished great things.”
Olympic legend Ron Hill, who was guest of honour at last year’s awards ceremony, said it’s a great thing that schools are promoting and encouraging young people to get involved in sport.
He said: “Sport is one of the areas that promotes healthy competition, and I think it’s important for young people to get involved with sport at school as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“I’ve been a runner for more than 60 years, and I’m still the same weight I was when I started at 21.
“I think the awards themselves reward the volunteers and people who work tirelessly for sport.
“I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s event, there was great enthusiasm for the event and I hope this year will be just as successful.”
Other awards being presented on the night include Coach of the Year; Community Club of the Year; Young Volunteer; Adult Volunteer; Rising Star (Under 21); Lifetime Achievement; Service to Disability Sport; Inspire Award (Age 11+); Team of the Year; Hyndburn Sports Photographer; Best Business Supporter of Grassroots Sport; Sports Personality and Community Sports Project.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held at Accrington Town Hall on September 18.
Sporting stars and those who work behind the scenes will gather to celebrate those who work tirelessly to promote sport in their area.
For more information about the awards email kerry.smith@hyndburnleisure.co.uk.
