Witney News - Nominate your coach and sports person of the year

Nominate your coach and sports person of the year

Residents are being invited to nominate individuals for two special sporting awards from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The deadline for nominations for West Oxfordshire’s Coach of the Year and Sports Person of the Year awards is Friday 30th January 2009.

These prestigious awards are run by the Council annually to recognise the contribution and commitment of sporting individuals in the District. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 6th.

Cllr Hilary Biles, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Health, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for people to recognise the efforts of individuals who have dedicated their time to help others and make a difference in West Oxfordshire. The Council is proud to organise these awards and I would encourage people to get nominating now.”

Nominees for Coach of the Year must be over 16 and have been actively coaching for at least a year in West Oxfordshire on a voluntary or part-time paid basis. The award will go to an individual who has made a significant impact to their club, organisation or community.

The Sports Person of the Year award will go to a person who has dedicated their time to develop and help others in their West Oxfordshire club, organisation or community group over the past 12 months, or longer. This could range from cleaning the dressing rooms and washing kits to fundraising for a major project. People of all ages can be nominated.

Coach of the Year 2007 was Gareth Lewis, who was rewarded for his commitment to Witney Rugby Football Club, and Sports Person of the Year went to Steve Deeley, Chairman of Charlbury Town Football Club.

Full award criteria details and application forms are available on the Council’s website www.westoxon.gov.uk/coachawards or by calling the Council’s Leisure and Tourism team on 01993 861557.