Witney News - Entries open for West Oxfordshire Sports awards

Entries open for West Oxfordshire Sports awards

Aspiring sports performers in West Oxfordshire are being encouraged to apply for a grant to help them develop and progress their talent.

The West Oxfordshire Sports awards, run in partnership with the GLL Sports Foundation, range from £100 up to £1,250.

Award recipients will also gain free entry to all West Oxfordshire District Council’s leisure centres – the Windrush in Witney, Carterton, Bartholomew in Eynsham.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member responsible or Leisure said: “Our Olympic athletes are excellent role models for encouraging young people to take up sport and, as part of the Olympic legacy, it is extremely important that we do all we can to support upcoming sporting talent in our district. Because of this we are very pleased to be supporting GLL’s excellent Sport Foundation awards scheme and I hope that many rising sports stars in West Oxfordshire will apply.”

Applications can be made online at www.gllsportfoundation.org and the deadline is 20 February 2013.

West Oxfordshire District Council is also asking for nominations for their annual Sports Coach of the Year, Sports Club of the Year and Unsung Hero awards.

Further about how to make a nomination is on www.westoxon.gov.uk/coachclubawards or by telephoning the Council on 01993 861080.

Additional information - GLL Sports Foundation
Fifty six athletes supported by GLL’s Sports Foundation competed at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 14 winning medals.

Already competing at a high level in synchronised swimming and hoping to take part in future Olympic Games is Hannah Green from Eynsham.

Hannah said, “I am a very committed member of the Senior GB squad and hope to represent my country on a long term basis. My personal aims are to: compete in the 2016 Olympics, Senior Worlds, Senior Europeans, 2018 Commonwealth Games and to become the Team Captain. I have recently been awarded 'Improver of the year' at the Reading Sports Personality award event!”

Additional information - Sports Coach of the Year, Sports Club of the Year and Unsung Hero
The Coach of the Year award recognises an individual who has made a significant impact through coaching, by giving up time to develop and help others within their club or community. Jeremy Bristoe of Witney Wolves, Witney Rugby Football Club was awarded the 2012 Coach of the Year

The Unsung Hero award recognises an individual who has made a significant impact within their club or community. This could range from hosting matches and ground maintenance to securing club funding. Paul Duester of Chadlington Sports Club was the 2012 Unsung Hero.

Eynsham Roadrunners gained the 2012 Sports Club of the Year award, which recognises the achievements of a club that is committed to its members, local community and sport.