Wigan and Leigh are renowned for the success of their professional sports stars but now is the time to honour those unsung heroes who helped to raise the sporting bar in 2007.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust would like residents from across the borough to nominate their local sporting heroes for the 2007 Wigan Borough Sports Awards.
The eighth Wigan Borough Sports Awards, organised by the Trust’s Sports Development Unit, will be held on Friday 25th January 2008 at the JJB Stadium, Wigan. This prestigious event rewards the sporting community for their dedication over the year and also highlights the hot bed of talent from all over the borough that have performed regionally, nationally and internationally.
There are six awards up for grabs: Coach of the year; Club of the Year; Volunteer in Sports of the Year; Sports Achiever of the Year; Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year, The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero in Sport Award; and the new ‘Get Active, Get Volunteering’ Award.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Sports Development Officer Lizzie Hendley said:
“This is the ideal opportunity to recognise those members of the community who play a key role in making this borough one of the most sporting in the whole region. We would like as many nominations as possible from all different sports and backgrounds.
“These awards are one of the biggest events in our calendar and will be the first of many Wigan Sports Development initiatives over the next year that will embrace the Beijing Olympics. Our guest speaker will be twelve-time Paralympic medal winner Marc Woods who will take the audience on an inspiring journey through his life and swimming career.”
Sharon Seaton was crowned both Wigan Borough and Greater Manchester Coach of the Year earlier this year in recognition of her work with Westleigh Basketball Club. Sharon said:
“These awards are testimony to how sport can make a positive difference to many people’s lives. When I was reading through the achievements of all the other nominees I had no idea I would win. I was surprised yet delighted as it is very unusual for a woman to coach basketball at this level; I am very proud of this achievement.”
The closing date for nominations is Friday 7th December. Nomination forms or further details can be obtained from Lizzie Hendley on 01942 404995 or from the Wigan Borough Sports Council website (external link)
