Devon Sports Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists for the prestigious 2016 Exeter Foundation Devon Sports Awards have been announced.

The Awards attracted a record number of nominations, with over 180 coaches, volunteers, sportspeople and clubs being put forward for the different categories.

The Awards, which will take place on 13th May at Sandy Park, aim to celebrate diverse sporting contributions and achievements from community level coaching right through to elite sports performers. The main purpose of the Awards is to recognise those who inspire people to participate at all levels in sport.

“Each year the Exeter Foundation Devon Sports Awards go from strength to strength and help to recognise the truly outstanding work that is being carried out throughout the county at all sporting levels," said Chairman of the Exeter Foundation, Tony Rowe OBE.

“Looking at all the nominations across the board, it’s clear that the judging panel must have had another series of painstaking decisions to make, such is the calibre and quality of all those selected. However, we see all those shortlisted as winners in their own right and the efforts they are producing are helping to inspire the next generation of sporting stars within Devon.”

All finalists have been invited to attend a glittering ceremony and this year, they will be presented with their trophies and certificates by TV presenter, two times world champion hurdler and Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson.

The expert judging panel, coordinated by Active Devon who are overseeing the Awards in partnership with the Exeter Foundation and Exeter College, have carefully whittled the entries down to the final 32 individuals and teams from an extremely strong pool of nominations.

Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal, Exeter College, said:  "Exeter College is delighted to be a partner in the Devon Sports Awards and recognise the contributions made by those who inspire sports performers at all levels."

In addition to the 7 main award categories there is an additional award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Devon, which will only be announced on the night.

“We’ve had record numbers of entries this year and the standard just gets better and better” said Matt Evans, Chief Executive of Active Devon. “We are always keen to recognise volunteers who work hard in their sports and so often go unrecognised. The Devon Volunteer and Devon Young Volunteer categories are one way that we can celebrate their achievements. We want to thank everyone who nominated someone special in their sport and say keep up the good work”.

Tickets for the evening are priced at £65, 0r £625 for a table of 10. Sponsorship packages are also still available. For more information, please contact enquiries@exeterfoundation.org.uk 

 

The full list of finalists are:

Devon Club of the Year

The Lodge Actions Sports Club (Newton Abbot)

Exe Hockey Club (Exeter)

Joola Plymouth (Plymouth)

 

Contribution to Inclusive Sport

Larissa Milden (Plymouth)

Stuart Disney (Cullompton)

Matt Orchard (Newton Abbot)

 

Devon Volunteer of the Year

Jock Spry (Thorverton),

Stuart Munday (Plymouth)

Jill Dupain (Exeter),

 

Devon Young Coach of the Year

Rebecca Barnes (Exeter)

Mason King/Tyler Butt/Lewis Hill (Tiverton)

Lorna Burston (Tiverton)

 

Devon Coach of the Year

Mark Taylor (Bovey Tracey)

Harry Townsend (Exeter)

Paul Whiting (Plymouth)

 

Devon Young Volunteer of the Year

Celine Conley (Yelverton)

Sarah Devon (Bideford)

Linnea Byrne (Paignton)

 

Community Sports Performer of the Year:

 

Rachel Champion (Exeter)

Joshua Williams-Clifford (Exeter)

Tom Lammonby (Exeter

Abbie Burrows (Plymouth)

Jessica Bradley (Tiverton)

Gracie Mitchell (Torquay)

Luca Wickens (Paignton)

Net Prophets (Exeter)

Billy Searle (Exeter)

Phoebe Campbell (Exeter)

Jack Cox (Newton Abbot)

Sophie Woolcock (Brixham)

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