World cycling champion Mark Cavendish and Great Britain Junior Archer of the Year Aalin George were crowned as the Sportsman and Woman of the year at the Isle of Man Bank Sports Awards in the Villa Marina last night. It was a night to remember for both sports stars as Mark’s award came just a few days before he is due to become a father for the first time, while Aalin received her trophy on her 16th birthday.
Other awards went to Charlotte Atkinson (under 21 Sportswoman); Grant Halsall (under 21 Sportsman); Isle of Man Women’s Hockey Squad (Team of the Year); Jon Whiting (Coach of the Year); Victoria Karran (Administrator of the Year); Zoe Lambie (Disability Sportsperson); Bryan Sharp (Lifetime Achievement) and Conor Cummins (Isle of Man Ambassador.)
During the evening it was announced that Mark Cavendish had donated a sum of money to Isle of Man Sport which would be used, in part, to fund three special scholarships for the next two years.
Guest of Honour for the event was former World Superbike Champion James Toseland who was accompanied to the Island by his fiancee, international singing star Katie Melua. Katie joined him when he met young sports stars to tell them about his career and motivation. She had to return to the UK before the sports awards presentation in order to work on her new album.
Executive chairman of Isle of Man Sport, Geoff Karran, thanked all the sponsors for their support, in particular Isle of Man Bank, for making it such a special occasion. The two main awards were presented by the Bank’s senior manager Deniese Smith and managing director Bill Shimmins.
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