 | Press ReleasesBBC announces North West England's favourite sporting personalities |
BBC North West Tonight presenters Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh joined an array of sports stars and guests at a glittering ceremony to announce the winners of the BBC North West Sports Awards 2007. The annual event is considered one of the highlights in the region's sporting calendar and is held in recognition of sporting achievement and excellence across the North West of England. The ceremony, this year held at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel, saw some of the region's best sporting talent being recognised for their achievements. And June Kelly, winner of the BBC North West Sports Unsung Hero Award, was honoured for her work with Manchester-based Abraham Moss Warriors Junior Football Club. June was given the award for her never-ending commitment and dedication to a club which now has over 100 members. She has succeeded in creating more than just a football team by offering a space where children learn team work, racial harmony and self-esteem. She also successfully took on the Football Association after the club were fined when, during Ramadan, the boys' team made up of young Muslim players refused to participate in morning games. June lobbied for a change in the rules to respect religious diversity and was eventually successful. Sponsored by Robinsons, the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award is now in its fifth year and recognises and rewards outstanding contribution by individuals at the grassroots level of local sport. Bursaries of up to £2,500 are available to the winners of each regional award, to help them with their work in sport. Robinsons is for the first time also the event sponsor of the BBC's Sports Personality Of The Year. The BBC's Head of Regional and Local Programmes in the North West, Tamsin O'Brien, says the quality of sport in the region is something everyone can be proud of: "These awards honour the sports personalities who have made 2007 yet another memorable sporting year. "The BBC in the North West is delighted to reflect in its output the talent and passion for sport that is so fervent in our region. Our congratulations go to all the winners." The North West awards were this year again supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, believes sport is an essential part of the region. He said: "Sport is a huge part of life in the North West and makes a significant impact on our economy, generating over £3bn every year. "The NWDA is delighted to play its part in recognising those talented teams and individuals who work so hard to contribute to this success. "The nominees this year are the best in a region where we enjoy an international reputation for excellence in sport and I am sure the judges have faced some very difficult decisions." The winners of the 15 awards were chosen by a panel of judges including North West sports journalists and BBC representatives. The results were shown on BBC One in the North West at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 November. The ceremony was on Monday night. The winners Rugby Player: Andrew Sheridan, Sale Sharks Rugby Union Club Team: Manchester United Football Club Manager/Coach: Billy Graham, Ricky Hatton's Coach Footballer: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United FC Newcomer: Paul Horton, Lancashire Cricket Club Disabled Sportsperson: Anthony Kappes and Barney Storey BBC North West Sports Unsung Hero: June Kelly, Abraham Moss Warriors Junior Football Club Sport England Young Performer of the Year: Thomas Burton Sport England Community Club of the Year: West Cheshire Athletics Club BBC Radio Manchester/Manchester Evening News Award: Sven-Goran Eriksson, Manager, Manchester City FC BBC Radio Lancashire Award: Simon Grayson, Manager, Blackpool FC BBC Radio Merseyside Award: St Helens Rugby League Club Hall of Fame: Denis Law The Judges Award: Jason Robinson BBC North West Sports Personality 2007: Ricky Hatton. BBC Manchester Press Office | 
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