Council call for nominations for sports awards

Details of all the separate award categories, 20 in total were announced and Council Chairman Michael Hutton appealed to all those involved in sport in the City to get right behind the Awards which will culminate in a Gala awards ceremony which will take place on 15th February 2012.

Mayor of the City Cllr Kevin Campbell giving his support to the awards said it was important that local individuals are recognised for their sporting achievements and celebrated at this event.

“The District Sports Council annual awards are an important event in the local sports calendar and I am delighted to be associated with them as they recognise sport participation and encourage people to engage in a healthy lifestyle. I wish each nominated individual and team success in the recognition of their efforts.”

Commenting at the launch Council Chairman, Michael Hutton said: “In terms of sports events, this one is unique as not only does it enable us to acknowledge the effort, commitment and achievements of so many of our athletes which ranging from age ten to senior citizen, but it also affords us the opportunity to recognise the contribution of so many who give of their time to ensure that all sports enthusiasts in the City are catered for such as coaches, team managers, mentors, physios, administrators etc.

“As a Sports Council, we embrace all sports and encourage all those involved in sports in this City to get right behind their sport and their athletes and nominate them for one of the twenty awards to be decided upon at the event on the evening of 15th February. Within each category there can only be one winner awarded but for an athlete to know that his coach, or manager or team mates thought so highly of them to put them forward for a nomination speaks a thousand words.

“I would also encourage all athletes to take this opportunity to recognise and show their appreciation for the support they have received over the years from their coaches, managers, and administrators, to take the time to nominate an individual for a Coaching award or Services to Sport Award. It is a known fact that all achievements of individuals can be attributed to the support of others.”

Gareth Finlay, Hughes Insurance Local Derry Branch Manager said: “We are delighted to be the sponsors of the Derry District Sports Council Awards 2012. We are very much looking forward to this year’s event as we get to meet the up and coming stars of the future plus the organisers and members of the local community who work so hard every year to support sport in the community.

“Hughes Insurance has been open in Derry for over five years, in that time we’ve launched our Sports Volunteer Awards, become title sponsors of the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup and are now in our second year of supporting the Derry District Sports Council Awards - we’re proud to consider ourselves part of the City and are committed to supporting grass roots sport in the area.”

Nomination forms can be obtained from Karen Dillon, Derry City Council Development Office (Tel 71365151) and all nominations must be returned by 12noon on Friday, 25th January 2013.

Nomination forms are also available from the local leisure centres and on line at www.derrycity.gov.uk/sportsawards.