Mayor: Sports Awards recognise our ‘superstars’
![Helping launch the 2015 Newtownabbey Sports Awards are: Back row (l-r): Alderman Billy DeCourcy, councillor Noreen McClelland, councillor Billy Webb. Front row (l-r) Newtownabbey mayor Thomas Hogg, Irish rugby legend Willie-John McBride and deputy mayor, Pat McCudden. INLT 48-901-CON](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/legacy_oak_65564230.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Helping launch the 2015 Newtownabbey Sports Awards are: Back row (l-r): Alderman Billy DeCourcy, councillor Noreen McClelland, councillor Billy Webb. Front row (l-r) Newtownabbey mayor Thomas Hogg, Irish rugby legend Willie-John McBride and deputy mayor, Pat McCudden. INLT 48-901-CON](/img/placeholder.png)
The gala night, hosted by broadcaster, Denise Watson, is set to take place in March to recognise the clubs, services, coaches and athletes who have made an outstanding difference through sport.
“The Sports Awards provide an invaluable opportunity to recognise the Borough’s local sporting superstars and to acknowledge the hard work and determination that goes into sports development and sporting success,” said alderman Hogg.
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Hide Ad“The criteria the committee look for include commitment, achievement, enthusiasm and integrity. We hope to see a record number of nominations to help mark this memorable year.”
Since their inception, the awards have hailed the achievements of local sporting greats including Irish cricket star Kyle McCallan, former Irish rugby international Denis McBride, boxer Neil Sinclair and international footballers Jimmy Nicholl, John McClelland and the late Alan McDonald.
Dean Holmes, the council’s Sport and Play Development Officer, added: “We have a depth of talent in Newtownabbey and would like to acknowledge and honour this talent and the stars of the future.
“We hope to make this event the best so far and see lots of nominations, particularly for the junior categories.”
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Hide AdNominations can be made for the following categories: Services to Sport; Club of the Year; Coach of the Year; Adult Sportsperson of the Year; Junior Sportsperson of the Year; Junior team of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year with a disability.
The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 16. If you think that you, your club or anyone you know has achieved excellence in sport between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2014, complete an application form. They can be downloaded at: www.newtownabbey.gov.uk