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Press Releases
Â鶹Éç announces North West England's favourite sporting personalities
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Â鶹Éç 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 Â鶹Éç North West Sports Awards 2007.
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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.
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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.
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And June Kelly, winner of the
Â鶹Éç North West Sports Unsung Hero Award, was honoured for her work
with Manchester-based Abraham Moss Warriors Junior Football Club.
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June was given the award for her never-ending commitment and dedication
to a club which now has over 100 members.
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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.
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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.
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June lobbied for a change in the rules to respect religious
diversity and was eventually successful.
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Sponsored by Robinsons, the Â鶹Éç 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.
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Bursaries of up to £2,500 are available to the winners of each regional award, to help them
with their work in sport.
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Robinsons is for the first time also the
event sponsor of the Â鶹Éç's Sports Personality Of The Year.
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The Â鶹Éç'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.
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"The Â鶹Éç 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."
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The North West awards were this year again supported by the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
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Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief
Executive, believes sport is an essential part of the region.
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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.
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"The NWDA
is delighted to play its part in recognising those talented teams and
individuals who work so hard to contribute to this success.
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"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."
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The winners of the 15 awards were chosen by a panel of judges including
North West sports journalists and Â鶹Éç representatives.
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The results were shown on Â鶹Éç One in the North West at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 November.
The ceremony was on Monday night.
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The winners
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Rugby Player:
Andrew Sheridan, Sale Sharks Rugby Union Club
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Team: Manchester United Football Club
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Manager/Coach:
Billy Graham, Ricky Hatton's Coach
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Footballer:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United FC
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Newcomer: Paul Horton, Lancashire Cricket Club
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Disabled Sportsperson:
Anthony Kappes and Barney Storey
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Â鶹Éç North West Sports Unsung Hero:
June Kelly, Abraham Moss Warriors Junior Football Club
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Sport England Young Performer of the Year:
Thomas Burton
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Sport England Community Club of the Year:
West Cheshire Athletics Club
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Â鶹Éç Radio Manchester/Manchester Evening News Award:
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Manager, Manchester City FC
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Â鶹Éç Radio Lancashire Award: Simon Grayson, Manager, Blackpool FC
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Â鶹Éç Radio Merseyside Award:
St Helens Rugby League Club
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Hall of Fame: Denis Law
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The Judges Award:
Jason Robinson
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Â鶹Éç North West Sports Personality 2007: Ricky Hatton. Ìý
Â鶹Éç Manchester Press Office
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