ELLIE SIMMONDS ATTENDS THE SPORTING CHANCE AWARDS
The second Sporting Chance Awards, held by the Lord’s Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, took place at Guildhall today (21 October).
Those in attendance included Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds, fresh from her success in Rio. On the event Ellie said: “It was a lovely day and great to see all the achievements of the young people who won awards, including the volunteers that help us out. The grassroots level is where help is needed and it was fantastic to see the people who do so much work in this area being recognised in this way”.
The awards celebrated the achievements of young disadvantaged and disabled people who have refused to be defined by their circumstances and excelled at their chosen sports. They also recognised the invaluable contributions of some of the people behind the scenes, the organisers and coaches, parents, carers and supporters.
In addition to Ellie, the Lord’s Taverners President, Sir Michael Parkinson was at the event, as were Paralympic medallists Alfie Hewett, Jordanne Whiley, Stephanie Millward. Sky Sports presenter Matt Floyd was on hand to host the event to honour the young people and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to sport in 2016.
Lord’s Taverners CEO Paul Robin said: “The inaugural awards for this event were successfully launched a year ago and I’m delighted that the event has grown bigger this year. These awards are special as they represent what the charity strives towards – acknowledging the achievements of young disadvantaged and disabled people in sport”.
The list of winners from the 2016 Sporting Chance Awards is below:
• Maya Le Tissier – Young Sportsperson of the Year (Female)
• Phil Lucas – Jean Ratcliff Lifetime Contribution Award
• London All Stars Wheelchair Basketball – Team of the Year
• Abdus Salaam – Judge’s Choice Award – Luton
• Frances Smith – Young Volunteer of the Year
• Josh Manson – Young Sportsperson of the Year (Male)
• Kaitlyn Soden – Spirit of Sport Award
