Carlisle Sports Awards - Active Cumbria

21st July 2011

Inaugural event to recognise local sporting excellence and celebrating the outstanding talent, commitment and success of Carlisle sportspeople will be held later on this year.

Carlisle City Council and Carlisle Sports Council is holding the inaugural Carlisle Sports Awards this October and is asking residents to nominate local sporting stars who have contributed to a local sports club or achieved a high standard in their sport.

The nomination period for the 12 different categories is now open and should refer to sporting excellence between 1September 2010 and Wednesday, 31 August 2011. The closing date for nominations is Thursday, 29 September. Nomination forms are available on www.activecumbria.org or from the Civic Centre, Carlisle.

Jim Crowe, Chairman of Carlisle Sports Council, said:
"The awards will act as a celebration to recognise the fantastic work volunteers, coaches and players provide for our local clubs and organisations. The support of Carlisle City Council and a host of local sponsors will ensure we acknowledge the quality of our major sports performers and emerging talent."

Cllr Jacquelyne Geddes, Portfolio holder for Community Engagement, said:
"With the countdown well and truly underway for the London 2012 Olympics, it's important that we also look at sporting excellence closer to home too. Carlisle is rich with sporting talent and the inaugural Carlisle Sports Awards will be a chance to put the spotlight on to some of them."

The press launch for the Carlisle Sports Awards will be tomorrow (Wednesday, 20 July) at Carlisle Squash Club, Warwick Road, Carlisle at 11am. The Squash Club is one of the sponsors of this year's event categories.

The 12 Carlisle Sports Awards categories are:

JUNIOR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - Exceptional Rising Star - sponsored by Lambert Gill
Must be under 18 as at the 31st December (in year of award). Awarded to the person demonstrating the highest achievement within their chosen sport.
RISING STAR x 3 - sponsored by News & Star
Must be under 18 as at the 31st December (in year of award). Awarded to three talented athletes who have demonstrated their potential through achievements during the last year.
JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR - Best Team Achievement - sponsored by Vanessa Foster
Must be under 18 as at the 31st December (in year of award). Awarded to the team demonstrating the highest sporting achievement within their chosen sport.
TEAM OF THE YEAR - Best Team Achievement - sponsored by Bob McKnight
Awarded to the team demonstrating the highest sporting achievement within their chosen sport.
DISABILITY PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - Excelled beyond barriers - sponsored by Carlisle Angling Association
Awarded to a person with a disability demonstrating the highest achievement within their sport.
COACH OF THE YEAR - Delivering Exceptional impact - sponsored by Carlisle Squash Club
Awarded to the coach that can demonstrate significant impact upon participants at any level during the last year.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - Greatest Volunteer Contribution - sponsored by Carlisle City Council
Awarded to the volunteer that can demonstrate significant impact to a club, sporting organisation during the last year.
YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR - Extra Talented Leadership - sponsored by Atlas Communications
Must be under 20 as at the 31st December (in year of award). Awarded to the young person who can demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities within sport during the last year.
SERVICE TO SPORT - Extra Dedicated Service - sponsored by Active Cumbria
Awarded to the person demonstrating outstanding commitment and dedication to sport over a long period of time, be it as a participant, coach, volunteer or official.
SPECIAL AWARD - Extra Special Achievement - sponsored by Nicholl Signs
Awarded at the discretion of the Judging Panel to an outstanding achievement or nomination not receiving an award in another category.
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR - Best Individual Performance - sponsored by Carlisle Leisure Limited
Awarded to the individual or team that has achieved the most outstanding performance during the last year.
SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR - Finest Individual Achievement - sponsored by Cumberland News
Awarded to the person demonstrating the highest achievement within their chosen sport.

Further sponsorship for the Carlisle Sports Awards has also been received from the White Heather.