Scott crowned CI Sports Personality of the Year 2023
Alex Scott claimed – from a distance – the top honour at the Betway CI Sports Awards 2023.
It is testament to the Premier League footballer's success that he was unable to attend Thursday's ceremony at Beau Sejour but, as he prepares for Saturday's clash against Fulham, his mother Steph and grandfather Essie proudly lifted his CI Sports Personality of the Year award for him.
Scott testified via video call how his family had helped him get to his current level, alongside underlining how much winning the prize meant to him.
'There were so many other talented people up for the award and across the islands in general, so to be nominated for the award was a huge privilege and, of course, to win it as well was a special feeling,' Scott said.
The all-star cast of nominees included two other Sarnians, namely elite cyclist Sam Culverwell and professional triathlete Josh Lewis. Jersey table-tennis starlet Hannah Silcock was the fourth contender.
Scott had only last month taken the Guernsey Sports Commission's top prize for his wonderful year, in which he was named the Championship's Young Player of the Season – among several other accolades – before signing for Bournemouth in a deal reportedly worth £25m.
From a Sarnian standpoint, there was further recognition for an archery 'hero' and the Island Games organising team.
Bowmen of Guernsey stalwart Steve Yates won the Michael Lucas Sporting Hero Award in recognition of his huge commitment to archery, which included his work behind the scenes to stage a successful Island Games tournament where the hosts claimed eight medals.
The Games organising committee – represented by Julia Bowditch and Amanda Hibbs – claimed yet more recognition off the back of taking the prized Sports and Nautical Shield last month.
They won the Judges' Award for Achievement after working staunchly to ensure the smooth running of the great multi-sporting festival.
The host island's individual triathlon golds were also honoured in a small on-the-night vote to decide the audience's favourite moment of the Games.
Jersey won the remaining honours, through cricketer Asa Tribe (Sure Rising Star), their Commonwealth Youth Games squad (Grant Thornton Team of the Year) and young football manager Elliot Powell (Coach of the Year).
Richard Parks, the former Wales rugby international turned world record-setting adventurer, was the guest speaker on the evening.