Top award shelved due to coronavirus

However, while there will be no award for outstanding performer of the year, the commission will still be able to acknowledge the island’s sports stars at their 16th annual Sporting Achievement Awards next month, including the induction of Olympian Lee Merrien into the Hall of Fame.

Plans are well advanced for the presentation evening on Thursday 7 January at Beau Sejour, with GSC operations director Graham Chester explaining that while some amendments have been forced upon them due to the pandemic, the way in which Guernsey sports have reacted to the situation deserves to be celebrated.

‘We’ve had some great nominations for this year’s awards despite the disruption caused by Covid throughout the year,’ he said.

‘Sports have been affected in different ways throughout 2020 and it’s been great to see how they have adapted their seasons and continued to play and compete as far as possible, even holding virtual events throughout lockdown.

‘But because of the disruption caused by Covid, the commissioners have taken the difficult decision not to award the main Guernsey Sports Commission Trophy this year,’ Chester added.

Last year cyclist Sam Culverwell took home the prestigious award.

‘The commissioners agreed that not all local sports men and women have had an equal opportunity to participate in their sports over the course of the year and at a high enough standard.

‘They felt that those who were able to compete had an advantage over those that couldn’t and as the trophy is there to recognise equality, fair play, sportsmanship and competition at the highest level across all sports, they felt it would not be fair to award it this year.’

All other award categories have received multiple nominations, including the two disability sport trophies.

‘We have a great night of sporting celebrations planned, including inducting athlete Lee Merrien into the Sporting Hall of Fame.

‘Lee will be the 22nd Guernsey sporting hero to be added to this illustrious group and we are looking forward to celebrating his career and sporting achievements on Awards Night,’ Chester said.

If you are interested in attending the Guernsey Sporting Achievement Awards at 6.30pm on Thursday 7 January, please contact info@guernseysports.com to book a ticket before 4 January.