Sporting stars of yesteryear are being sought by Teignbridge District Council.
Teignbridge is piecing together the history of its Sports Personality of the Year Awards and wants to hear from past winners and nominees.
The awards celebrate local athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers and while has been running since the 1970s, has only been part of Teignbridge’s work since the late 1990s.
This year’s gala event is on Friday, November 29 at Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish. Ahead of the event Teignbridge would like to find out more about its origins. The glittering awards ceremony is a highlight in local sportspeople’s calendars, with prizes contested across 15 categories, recognising achievements from all areas of sport and physical activity.
Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s executive spokesperson for communities, recreation and leisure, said: “We’re calling for any previous winners or nominees to get in touch and tell us their story. We want to know who won an award in the 70s, 80s and 90s and 2000s as our records do not stretch back that far.
“We believe that the Teignmouth and Shaldon Sports Council used to run the annual awards prior to Teignbridge District Council taking on the organisation of the event.
“Can our local sports clubs, schools and residents help fill in the blanks from the past. Did your granddad or grandmother win an award? Were you recognised for your own personal achievement or did you single out someone else for theirs? Do you know any teams or volunteers that were winners in previous years?
“It would be great if we could hear more local stories of triumph and dedication. It would also be fantastic if those who contact us are able to supply old photos, certificates, event programmes, or nomination forms – any piece of memorabilia is welcome.”
This year, a new category has been introduced to honour a nominee which goes that ‘extra mile’ for their sporting passion.
The award is in memory of Taekwondo expert and Newton Abbot Leisure Centre fitness instructor Jonny Black, who died suddenly in August.
Previous winners of Teignbridge’s overall Sports Personality of the Year prize – chosen from the winners of all the evening’s categories – have included London 2012 Paralympic Bronze Medallist, sports-shooter James Bevis, Mary King from the British Olympic Equestrian team; David Swift from the GB Skeleton Bob team; Jai Geyer, the GB Skiing Champion; and local woman Natalie Melmore, who became the 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist for Ladies Single Bowls.
To put forward your story or memory contact Nikki Taylor active leisure development officer on 01626 215611or 01626 215861 or email: [email protected]
Here’s a list of the Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year Awards nominees for 2013
(from a press release)
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