British Light-Middleweight and World Intercontinental Champion boxer Brian Rose, is among a list of high profile stars recognising Blackpool’s sporting talent.
Brian is strongly backing the Altogether Now – a Legacy for Blackpool Community Sports Awards 2014 which will showcase the successes of both individuals and teams across the town in nine separate categories.
Formerly known as the Community Sports Awards which have been held in Blackpool for 25 years, the event will honour the dedication and commitment of coaches, teams, and volunteers as well as recognising outstanding achievement. It will culminate in a presentation ceremony in the Sponsors Lounge at Blackpool Football Club on Thursday 3 April.
Altogether Now – a Legacy for Blackpool is a partnership between the NHS in Blackpool (Clinical Commissioning Group and Hospitals Trust); Blackpool Council and Blackpool Football Club.
The all-inclusive programme is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people in Blackpool, irrespective of age, race, gender or ability through increased physical activity, lifestyle changes and an awareness of the role mental health and wellbeing play in overall health.
Brian said: “I am proud to support these awards and the inspirational people they are recognising. There are some extremely dedicated and committed people in our local community who give their absolute all to help and support others take part in the sports they love.
“Add that to the growing group of extremely talented home grown sports men and women, and we have some real local sporting heroes in Blackpool.”
In his role as a Health Ambassador for the Fit2Go programme, Brian works with NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to deliver a six week physical and healthy lifestyle course to every primary school in Blackpool, targeting young children and their families.
He added: “Boxing is all about being disciplined. If I can inspire or encourage a child to succeed then that’s fantastic.”
Last week, Brain confirmed a deal was in place to travel Stateside and face American, Demetrius Andrade for the WBO World Light Middleweight title. The exact date and venue is still to be confirmed however we are reliably informed that the bout will be at either New York’s Madison Square Gardens or Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall towards the end of May this year. Should Brian win, he will become the first ever Blackpool boxer in history to win a world championship.
Dr Amanda Doyle, Chief Clinical Officer of NHS Blackpool CCG, said: “These awards are not just about achievement but commitment. Given the importance of community sport in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I am delighted that Altogether Now is supporting this event as it plays such a key role in promoting healthy living.”
The awards are separated into nine categories, recognising not only individuals but teams and sports clubs whose achievements and commitment to sport in Blackpool during 2013 has been outstanding. These are:
- Coach of the Year
- Community Club of the Year
- Team of the Year – Ted Schools Award
- Disability Award
- Young Volunteer of the Year (Age 14-24 years)
- Adult Volunteer of the Year
- Young Achiever of the Year (Age 14-24 years)
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Wilkinson Sword – for outstanding achievement
Anyone can nominate an individual or team for an award. A nomination form can be completed online at www.altogethernowblackpool.com or downloaded and returned completed to: Altogether Now – a Legacy for Blackpool Community Sports Awards 2014, Lee House, Layton Depot, Plymouth Road, Blackpool FY3 7HW. Forms are available for collection at the three main Blackpool Council leisure facilities – Palatine Leisure Centre, Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre or Blackpool Sports Centre. You can also follow on Twitter and Facebook @sportblackpool.
Nominations close on Monday 22nd February 2014.
