Real stars of the year are behind the scenes

Although it had already been announced that the Guernsey Sports Commission Trophy will not be awarded at the presentation evening next week because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus, the quality of the nominations for the other awards is remarkable considering the circumstances.

They include national champions, multiple record-breakers, up-and-coming stars and outstanding improvers across a whole host of different sporting fields.

However, the Sports Commission’s operations director Graham Chester was quick to note that the long list of nominations in one category in particular emphasised just why it is important to celebrate what was achieved here throughout 2020.

‘This year no award received more nominations than the Sports & Nautical Events Shield, which reflects just how much Guernsey sports did to get up and running again so quickly after lockdown for the benefit of their participants,’ he said.

The winners of each award will be announced at the presentations at Beau Sejour on Thursday 7 January when Olympian Lee Merrien will also become the 22nd person inducted into the Guernsey Sporting Hall of Fame.

As part of the evening, Merrien will take part in a question and answer session.

There is still time to reserve a place at the presentation evening, which starts at 6.30pm. Contact info@guernseysports.com before 4 January to book a ticket.

GUERNSEY SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2020 NOMINATIONS

Richard Burton Salver – outstanding achievement by a Guernsey sportsman

Ala Chalmers (Athletics), Charlie-Joe Hallett (Swimming), Tom Le Huray (Golf), Janick Radford (Squash).

Guernsey Brewery Salver – outstanding achievement by a Guernsey sportswoman

Veronica Bougourd (Golf), Karina Bowie (Cycling), Abi Galpin (Athletics).

Team Trophy – outstanding performance by a team comprising more than four competitors

Cobo Cricket Club, Guernsey Raiders, Le Mont Saint Women’s Rowing Team.

Small Team Trophy – outstanding performance by a team comprising four or less competitors

Guernsey Ladies Fours Bowls Team, The Sirens (Rowing).

Lambourne Shield – outstanding achievement by an under-18

Joe Chadwick (Athletics), Ollie Chedhomme (Golf), Arthur Collenette (Sailing), Luke Elliott (Sailing), Nathan Le Tissier (Cricket), Maddy Russell (Water Polo), Tatiana Tostevin (Swimming), Kylie Vaudin (Cycling), Jessica Watson (Sailing).

Beau Sejour Trophy – outstanding performance by an U18 team

Elizabeth College First XI cricket, Under-11s Schools FA.

Sport & Nautical Events Shield – outstanding event organiser

Caroline La Touche (Darts), Guernsey Athletics Track & Field, Guernsey Cricket, Guernsey Rowing Club Committee, Guernsey Velo Club, Guernsey Yacht Club 130th Anniversary Sail Past, Guernsey Yacht Club Virtual Sailing, Jacob Brady & Jacob Sidebottom (Sailing), Trident Trust All-Terrain Challenge.

Sir John Loveridge Trophy – greatest progress in the year

Grace Bennalick (Water Polo), Peter Curtis (Athletics), Rosie Williams (Athletics).

Dave Dorey Memorial Trophy – outstanding contribution to coaching/development

Malcolm Barnes (Guernsey Raiders), Jody Bisson (Football), Amos Ozanne & John Bichard (Guernsey Autocross Club), Charles Cooper (Sailing), Lloyd Le Page (Guernsey Rowing Club), Jordan Reynolds (Guernsey Raiders), Robin Smith (Basketball), Paul Wheatley (Walking Football).

Para-Sport awards

Ferbrache & Farrell LLP Trophy – athlete with a learning disability

Sandra Robilliard (Sailing), Jay Webber (Badminton).

Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson Trophy – athlete with a physical impairment

Aindree Reece Sheerin (Sailing), Sandra Robilliard (Sailing), Sophie Veron (Triathlon).