Shortlist for WalesOnline Young Sports Stars 2019 announced
THE most inspiring, impressive and outstanding young sports people across Wales will be celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony in Sophia Gardens next month.
The new WalesOnline Young Sports Stars 2019 awards will also recognise the coaches, teachers, schools and clubs who have gone the extra mile in making a difference to our young sports stars.
Nominees were picked by the judging panel of Jane Blackwell, franchisee with principal sponsor McDonald’s; Paul Batcup, digital content manager with Sport Wales, and WalesOnline editor Paul Rowland.
Paul Rowland said: “Judging these awards was a truly humbling experience, with the quality and diversity of entrants showing once again the incredible sporting talent we have in Wales. Entry after entry included stories of world-class talent, enormous personal sacrifice, magnificent teamwork and aweinspiring bravery, so choosing a shortlist – never mind a winner – in many of the categories was almost an impossible task.
“Congratulations to everyone who entered, and in particular those on these exceptionally strong shortlists – you should all be extremely proud of your awesome achievements.”
Jane Blackwell said: “I was privileged to be asked to assist in judging these awards.
“The calibre of the entries is outstanding and being able to decide the winners was an extremely difficult task. The amount of passion, commitment and dedication that every one of the nominees puts into their chosen sport is truly remarkable. Many achieving great success, some under challenging conditions. You are amazing and each and every one of you should be extremely proud of your achievements. Congratulations and I look forward to seeing you on the evening.”
Paul Batcup said: “Judging the entries was very difficult with so many outstanding young people doing amazing things in sport. What really struck me was how sport and being active is having so many wider benefits to individuals, schools, clubs and communities across Wales. We know that being active can bring health benefits and bring communities together, but I was so impressed by how sport is being used by people to change their own lives and the people around them. I’m looking forward to meeting the finalists on the night and hearing more about their stories.”
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, hosted by broadcaster and rugby coach, Sean
Meet our finalists Teacher of the year
■ Lisa Haragadon – Millbank Primary School
■ Gwenan Harries – Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf
■ Clare Roberts – Ringland Primary School
■ Aled Lewis – Blackwood Primary School
Sporting inspiration
■ Mia Lloyd – Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi
■ Logan Sellers – Caernarfon Celts Wheelchair Basketball Club
■ Kyran Bishop – Ospreys Wheelchair Rugby
■ Jordan Maule – Cardiff Ice Skating Club
■ Emilie Allen – Valleys Gymnastics Academy
Holley, on Friday, November 8, from 6.30pm at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Category sponsors at this year’s awards include McDonald’s, Sport Wales and LTC Mobility.
Team of the year
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Elite performer
■ Carrie Jones – Cardiff City Ladies FC
■ Liam Davies – Llandysul Paddlers
■ Lowri Hart – Scala Snooker Club ■ Ruth Bramley – Ysgol Harri Tudor
Sporting moment
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■ ■ For any event enquiries, including tickets, please contact regional events manager Isabel Goodman on 01792 545511 or email: isabel.goodman@mediawales.co.uk