The shortlist for the 2016 Isle of Man Sports Awards, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank, has been announced today (Thursday). The event will take place on Wednesday 22nd March 2017 at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina.
The Sportsman of the Year award sees last year’s winner, Tim Kneale, facing competition from Olympic silver medallist Mark Cavendish, golfing star Tom Gandy, rally driver David Higgins, Enduro ace Daniel McCanney and cycling’s Peter Kennaugh.
The Sportswomen of the Year award is one of the most open categories for a number years and features cycling duo Anna Christian and Elizabeth Holden as well as former under-21 winner Charlotte Atkinson and Isle of Man Hockey captain Kim Carney. The category will also be contested by equestrian rider Yasmin Ingham and field archer Lesley Sleight.
Other categories that will be contested are under-21 sportsman, under-21 sportswoman, team, coach, sports administrator, Isle of Man ambassador, veteran sportsperson and disability sportsperson.
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is selected by the Sports Awards committee and there is no shortlist for this category.
Gary Corkhill, Isle of Man Sport’s Executive Chairman, commented: ‘Once again, we have been overwhelmed by the number of nominations sent into us by the public. Nominations opened in late December and the response we’ve had demonstrates just how much the public like engaging with the event. The shortlisting process seems to get more difficult each year due to the increased success of the Manx athletes.
‘The Island has so many sporting success stories and the Sports Awards is a great occasion where we bring together the Isle of Man’s sporting family to celebrate their achievements. This year’s nominees are an inspiration to those within their respective sports. The awards recognise the Island’s high-level performers and highlight their success on the world stage.’
The event also includes the presentation of the 2016 Sure Sports Leader of the Year Award and Sports Aid scholarships to athletes who will be supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid in 2017/2018.
Guest of honour at the awards is 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning hockey player, Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE.
The event starts at 8.15pm. Tickets are available to book online via the Villa Gaiety box office www.villagaiety.com
The full list of nominations is:
2016 Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank
Mark Cavendish (cycling)
Tom Gandy (golf)
David Higgins (motorsport)
Peter Kennaugh (cycling)
Tim Kneale (shooting)
Danny McCanney (enduro).
2016 Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank
Charlotte Atkinson (swimming)
Km Carney (hockey)
Anna Christian (cycling)
Elizabeth Holden (cycling)
Yasmin Ingham (equestrian)
Lesley Sleight (field archery).
2016 Under 21 Sportsman of the Year, sponsored by SMP Partners
Matthew Bostock (cycling)
Alex Bregazzi (swimming)
Owen Dudley (cycling)
Ben Grainger (swimming)
Josh Hewett (high jump)
Glen Quayle (pole vault)
Keiran Tierney (football).
2016 Under 21 Sportswoman of the Year, sponsored by Newfield
Charlotte Atkinson (swimming)
Ella Doherty (trials)
Elizabeth Holden (cycling)
Breeshey Jansen (golf)
Rebecca Storrie (triathlon)
Sophie Taylor (equestrian).
2016 Disability Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Manx Radio
Lawrence Dyer (athletics)
Matthew Elliott (archery)
Letisha Ellis (swimming)
Ben Grainger (swimming)
Sean Jackson (football)
Zoe Lambie (athletics).
2016 Team of the Year, sponsored by Mylchreests Group
Bacchanalians Men’s A Hockey Team
IOM Swimming Arena League Team
Manx Sidecar Trials Team
SMP Partners Ballasalla A Netball Team
Team RL360 Cycling Team
Thomas Bostock & William Draper- Maddison Cycling Team
Vikings Ladies A Hockey Team.
2016 Administrator of the Year, sponsored by Conister Bank
Erica Bellhouse (cycling/gymnastics)
Amanda Butler (netball)
Mike Hewison (swimming)
Tony Mepham (football)
Roy Moore (motorcycling)
Paul Phillips (cycling).
2016 IOM Ambassador, sponsored by the Department of Economic Development
Mark Cavendish (cycling)
Cal Crutchlow (motorcycling)
Conor Cummins (motorcycling)
Mark Higgins (motorsport)
Tim Kneale (shooting)
Jonathan Rea (motorcycling).
2016 Coach of the Year, sponsor (to be confirmed)
Chris Bass Snr (football)
Lee Holland (swimming)
Heather Melvin (swimming)
Raj Nandha (hockey)
Janet Norbury (special olympics)
Peter Roberts (boxing)
2016 Veteran Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Microgaming
Mike Garrett (athletics)
Richard Gerrard (race walking)
Gail Griffiths (athletics)
Juan Kinley (triathlon)
Gary Kirby (mountain biking)
Lesley Sleight (field archery).
2016 Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Isle of Man Newspapers
The recipient of this award is selected by the Sports Awards committee.
