Vote for Active Essex's Disabled Sports Personality of the Year
Voting is open to crown this year's Disabled Sports Personality of the Year at the eagerly-anticipated Active Essex Sports Awards 2018, which celebrates sporting achievements from grassroots to professional level.
The full shortlist has been announced and the finalists are now invited to attend a glittering ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Wednesday 5 December.
The Disabled Sports Personality of the Year award recognises an individual who has made an incredible impact at a national or international level, either individually or as part of a team.
The nominees are:
- Freya Levy (Rochford, Rugby) - Freya currently represents the UK and England in Rugby 7’s and scored her first international try on her debut game in France in April.
- Hannah Stodel (Colchester, sailing) - Paralympic sailor has beaten the odds to become a three-time World Champion and four-time Paralympian.
- Richard Chiassaro (Harlow, wheelchair racing) - Richard broke the World Record in the T54 800m wheelchair race at the Swiss Nationals, becoming the first person to clock a time under one minute 31 seconds.
Essex residents are now urged to cast their votes online to crown this year’s winner.
Director of Active Essex, Jason Fergus, said:
"The Essex public have submitted hundreds of inspirational nominations to celebrate the achievements of local sports clubs, coaches, volunteers and talented athletes including many that demonstrate the long-lasting impact that inclusive sport can have on changing lives and communities. We would like to thank everybody who has made a nomination and congratulate the finalists."
The other two awards to be decided by public vote are Sports Personality of the Year and the Unsung Hero categories. The Unsung Hero award recognises volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to local sport in their community.
In total, there are 11 categories at this year’s awards, including Services to Inclusive Sport, Community Club of the Year, and the Young Sports Personality of the Year – which will be presented by double Olympic gymnastics champion Max Whitlock MBE.
Commenting on the final shortlist, Max Whitlock MBE, said:
"It is such a great achievement to be recognised by your local community for your sporting achievements. I look forward to presenting the Young Sports Personality of the year award to an upcoming sports hero on the night and encourage everybody to cast your votes in the public vote categories."
The Active Essex Sports Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to sport and physical activity in Greater Essex.
Active Essex, the County Sports Partnership, aims to increase the levels of participation in physical activity and sport and its mission is to change 1 million lives by getting Essex active.
