REACH FOR THE STARS
Pride of Sport heroes joined by the top names at glittering awards bash
SOME of the biggest names in sport will gather tomorrow to pay tribute to Britain’s unsung grassroots heroes at the Pride of Sport Awards.
Winners include wounded war heroes who ran an astonishing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, tireless fundraisers, inspirational coaches and amazing young people.
The Mirror’s Pride of Sport Awards, in partnership with TSB, celebrate the unsung heroes alongside some elite competitors who inspire them.
Stars attending include Martin Johnson, Trent Alexander-Arnold (both above), Lawrence Dallaglio, Jermaine Defoe, Jamie Vardy, Greg Rutherford, Graeme Swann, David Haye, Barry McGuigan, Dame Kelly Holmes, Iwan Thomas, Kenny Logan, Martin Offiah, Mark Foster, David Seaman, David Weir and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.
Others taking part include England manager Gareth Southgate and skipper Harry Kane, Rugby World Cupwinning coach Sir Clive Woodward and football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Host Ben Shephard, said: “I love grassroots sport and the way it brings people of all ages together. Pride of Sport celebrates everyone who makes grassroots sport happen and I’m delighted to be a part of it.” Luke Wigman and Ibi Ali raised £1million for a new Forces Rehabilitation Centre near Loughborough after running marathons from Antartica to Australia in an incredible week of endurance.
They were both injured while serving on the front line. Ibi lost part of his right arm in Iraq, while Luke was badly injured by an IED in Afghanistan.
Both made history in the World Marathon Challenge, with Luke finishing third overall and Ibi becoming the first amputee to complete the event. They will be joined at Grosvenor House in London by fellow inspirational figures.
Among them will be Team of the Year, Sands United – a football club for men who have experienced the agony of losing a child through miscarriage or stillbirth.
The TSB Community Partner Award goes to Ali Hay – an asthmatic dad who has raised more than £240,000 to build the first skate park of its kind in the Scottish Borders.
Former gang member and founder of Hackney Wick FC, Bobby Kasanga, will receive the Special Recognition Award for his work with young people in East London.
Kiko Matthews, who recently had life-saving treatment at London’s King College Hospital, scoops the Sporting Fundraiser award after rowing the Atlantic.
Table tennis prodigy Anna Hursey, who represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games aged just 11, wins a Young Sportsperson with wheelchair racer Olivia Gallagher.
Bethan Owen picks up the Young Achiever award for bringing karate to an entire community.
Paralympic ski medallists Menna Fitzpatrick and Millie Knight win the Disabled Sportsperson Award.
And Beau McKee is 2018 Young Fundraiser of the Year.