Which team will ride high at the Leicester Mercury’s Sports Awards?
LEICESTER is home to a number of high-profile sporting teams. From Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City side trying to break into the top six in the Premier League, to the most successful rugby union team in the country the Leicester Tigers, the region has plenty to shout about.
And, this year’s Leicester Mercury Sports Awards will pay tribute to a team who has put in some inspirational performances this year and embodies the true meaning of teamwork.
Coming on board as category sponsors of this award is leading UK accountancy firm, Mazars. With offices in 89 countries the firm are one of the largest in the world and are always looking for ways to give back to local communities.
Bob Johnson is a partner at Mazars and he discussed why they made the decision to support the category.
“For those who participate in sporting activities in general, aside from benefiting individuals and society as a whole, sport is an important part of the national economy,” he said.
“This is filtered down into our local communities and businesses and has real tangible contributions in terms of employment, economic activity and investment for the future – all of which benefits our clients, our team at Mazars, and therefore our business.
“To be associated with that is a privilege, and it is precisely in line with our core values at Mazars.”
One of 14 awards up for grabs on the night it will be down to an expert of panel of judges to decide on the night’s winners.
Bob said: “Leicester and the county has gained recognition as a premier location across all major sports in recent years, so the competition is
tough. The winners of this category need to show unrivalled commitment to their chosen sporting activities and they will have resulted in first class achievements at their level.”
“A variety of team, and individual sporting achievements have contributed to the city and county’s respected position, so the winning spot is open to many. It will be hard for the judges to decide, but the winner will demonstrate the great ability, dedication and achievement associated with people from Leicester.”
Mazars are not the only business who has made the decision to sponsor this event and Bob highlighted how the same skills to succeed in the business world are also applicable in sport.
“The parallels between business and sport are self-evident in terms of what skills and attitude are required; determination, commitment and drive. Like in sport, our business has only one real asset- our people,” he said.
“It is the way in which they work together that makes Mazars special – great as individuals, and also as a team,” he concluded.
Last year’s winners were the highflying basketball team, the Leicester Riders. Each season the team, formed way back in 1967, is among the silverware in BBL.
These basketball heroes enjoyed another flawless year in 2018 they added further silverware to a period of unbridled success at the summit of British basketball.
The Riders continued their reign as the best side in the country, beating all that came before them under the leadership of coach Rob Paternostro.
Riders completed yet another domestic treble in 2018, which peaked with a play-off final triumph over London Lions at London’s O2 Arena in May.
The club’s 81-60 win ensured an eighth BBL trophy out of a possible 12 in the past three years.
The Riders also lifted a third consecutive BBL Trophy with a win over Sheffield Sharks in Glasgow, before a rousing BBL Championship title victory in April.
The title was secured with 25 wins out of a possible 28 in a record-equalling season.
The club equalled Kingston (1990-92) and Newcastle (200810) in winning the league three years in a row. Their success meant they became the first British club in more than a decade to appear in the Basketball Champions League.
Although their run in Europe ended prematurely, the ambition shown after a second successive treble signals that Riders will remain at the summit of the British game for years to come.
The sports awards take place on Thursday, January 16, at Welford Road Stadium. And to nominate visit the dedicated website at:
For more information get in touch with Megan Whittaker at event organisers Champions (UK) plc. Call 08453 31 30 31 or e-mail: