Choose your champions for this year’s Believe Sports Awards with Wigan Council
Nominations have officially opened for this year’s Believe Sports Awards, with Wigan borough residents invited to choose their champions now.
The annual celebration of grassroots sport and physical activity will return to The Edge Conference Centre on Saturday October 17, with Ashes cricket hero Matthew Hoggard appearing as a special guest.
Hosted by the council’s Be Well service and sponsored by local firm JJH Building Contractors Ltd, the ceremony will again shine a spotlight on the rising stars, unsung heroes and inspirational achievers from across the borough.
Residents can now nominate the individuals, clubs and groups they’d like to see recognised on the night at bewellwigan.org/believesportsawards
Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “From magic days at Wembley to winning Olympic gold, Wigan Borough always punches well above its weight when it comes to sport – and that success is founded on a vibrant and thriving grassroots community.
“Our annual Believe Sports Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the people who make that community what it is; from the up-and-coming talents and successful teams to the tireless volunteers who give up so much time and energy to support local individuals, clubs and organisations to flourish.
“So if you know a person, club or group who’ve achieved great things over the past 12 months, or someone who always goes above and beyond to support others, make sure to nominate them for a Believe Sports Award so they get the recognition they deserve.”
Rugby league and combat sports dominated last year’s Believe Sports Awards, scooping six of the eight trophies on the night – all of which were presented by ex-Super League referee and special guest speaker James Child.
Ince Rose Bridge Sports and Community Club were named Club of the Year, while the Martin Lynn Team of the Year Award went to Wigan St Patricks ARLFC’s U14s Girls, and Shevington Sharks’ club secretary and honorary chairman Steve Bates was crowned as the Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero.
Young Sports Achiever of the Year went to Blaize Tingle of Aspull Warriors Wrestling Club, Reagan Swinburn of Jinsei Dojo took home the Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award, and Boxing for Better CIC won the battle for the Inclusion in Sport prize.
Coun Ready added: “The Believe Sports Awards is not just about results on the pitch or in the ring; it’s about celebrating the power of sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on our communities and on people’s everyday lives. It’s always such a feel-good occasion and we can’t wait to honour this year’s winners!”
The full list of categories for this year’s Believe Sports Awards is:
Changing Lifestyle Award sponsored by Technogym
Club of the Year Award sponsored by Cornerstone DM
Inclusion in Sport Award sponsored by Brookhouse Contracting
Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award sponsored by Leigh Leopards
Martin Lynn Team of the Year Award sponsored by Wigan & Leigh College
Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan Warriors Community Foundation
Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Sportmax
Young Sports Achiever of the Year Award sponsored by Alliance Leisure
Nominations are open until Friday August 14 at https://bewellwigan.org/sporting-futures/believesportsawards/