READING Borough Council has partnered with Sport in Mind for the Reading Sport Awards for 2024.
The event has showcased the wealth of sporting talent in the town for more than 25 years by highlighting the achievements of sports clubs, schools, colleges, and individuals.
The event was launched at the Hilton Hotel in Reading last week following a fallow year last year.
This year will see categories such as Veteran of the Year, Improver of the Year, the Katie Henderson Memorial Trophy for Commitment to Sport, the Mayor’s Award, the Helper/Loyalty Award, School Personality of the Year, Junior Team of the Year, Team of the Year, and Club of the Year.
It also sees the return of the Sports Personality of the Year, also known as the Richard Burns Memorial Trophy.
It honours Reading-born British rally driver Richard Burns, the only Englishman to have ever won the World Rally Championship as a driver, who died in 2005.
The award is presented by friend and fellow racing driver Johnny Mowlem.
Neil Harris, founder and CEO of Sport in Mind, said: “We are delighted to partner with Reading Sports Awards this year.
“At Sport in Mind, we use sport and physical activity to transform the lives of people struggling with their mental health, and so it is really important to us as an organisation that the power of sport is championed, and that every win should be celebrated.”
He explained: “The fact that the awards include categories involving schools, junior players and most improved is heavily aligned with what Sport in Mind stands for, and we are incredibly proud to shine a light on the importance of sport for our mental wellbeing for both adults and the youth of today.
“It is a personally proud moment for me that the awards are celebrating individuals from Reading- the home town of Sport in Mind and where it all started for us as an organisation.”
Cllr Glenn Dennis, Mayor of Reading, said: “The Reading Sports Awards showcases the true dedication and determination of our local sports stars. Some have overcome real difficulties to get where they are and it’s an honour to celebrate their achievements at this annual event.
“I’d like to thank all the awards supporters: Reading Today, Sport in Mind, The Hilton Hotel Reading, Johnny Mowlem and Cherubs Floral Design – without you, it wouldn’t be possible to run these awards, thank you from myself and the organising committee for all your help and support.
“I’d like to encourage everyone to visit the official Reading Sports Awards webpage and start nominating our very deserving local sports stars.”
Nominations for the awards are open until Friday, September 20.
More details about Reading Sports Awards are available via: reading.gov.uk/sportsawards2024
