Rochford Council and Castle Point Council are proud to announce the shortlisted nominations for Rochford and Castle Point Sports Awards 2017, which is sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle.

The nominations are opened to athletes, clubs, volunteers and schools. With entries of such high-quality, the judges found the task of shortlisting nominees for each category extremely tough. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at The Mill Arts and Events Centre, in Rayleigh, on November 23.

This year, the awards are proud to welcome UK and World Blind Sailing Champion Lucy Hodges MBE, who will be handing out the prizes to the winners at the ceremony.

Lucy has been part of the Great Britain Blind Sailing team for many years and has become World Champion 7 times. Lucy is currently World Champion in both Blind Fleet and Match Racing.

Ben Fryer from BBC Essex will be compering the event.

Rochford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Mike Webb, said: “Yet again the list of nominees shows the wealth of talent we have locally. They include National Champions, numerous record holders and volunteers who have spent decades giving up their spare time as well as Schools who have done so much to give all pupils the opportunity to participate. I am very much looking forward to meeting some of these sporting heroes and commending them for their achievements”.

Castle Point Mayor, Councillor Brian Wood, said: “Each year we always have a great response for nominations which just goes to show the wealth of skill and talent we have in both our communities of Castle Point and Rochford. It makes the short listing process more difficult.

“The Sports Awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognise not only local sportsmen and women, but those coaches, managers, clubs and volunteers who organise sporting activities. It will be an honour to be present at the event where they are recognised for their achievements. And wish them all the very best in their future endeavours and who knows, we may even see them taking part in the Olympics in the future”

The shortlist is as follows:

Rochford District Council Sports Club of the Year Sponsored by The Deanes Sports Centre

Hawkwell Athletic Football Club
Rochford Martial Arts Academy

School of the Year Sponsored by Affinity 1777

Grove Wood Primary School
Holt Farm Junior School

Services to Sport / Respect Sponsored by Peak Security Systems Ltd

Karl Cadman
Paul Mitchell
Colin Stroud

Disability Sports Personality of the Year Sponsored by esw Chartered Accountants

Neil Cornelius
Zaid Rahman

Young Sports Personality of the Year Sponsored by Southend United Community & Educational Trust

Mia Chantree
Danny Crouch
Olivia King

Sports Personality of the Year Sponsored by Wells Legal Solicitors

Danny Crouch
Steve Ham

Castle Point Borough Council

Sports Club of the Year Sponsored by The Deanes Sports Centre

Castle Point Joggers
Porters Soccability

School of the Year Sponsored by Affinity 1777

Canvey Island Infant School
Thundersley Primary School

Services to Sport / Respect Sponsored by Peak Security Systems Ltd

Kevin Darragh
Mike and Jayne Hayward

Young Sports Personality of the Year Sponsored by Southend United Community & Educational Trust

Rachel Lattimer
Scarlett Organ
Douglas Turnbull

Sports Personality of the Year Sponsored by Wells Legal Solicitors

Louise Douglass
Rachel Lattimer