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Gemma Howell
from Priorslee, Telford, has been shortlisted for the OCS Young
Sports Person of the Year Award 2006.
Gemma took the title of
OCS Young Sports Person 2006 for the Midlands Region after astounding
judges with her judo achievements and dedication to the sport.
Aged16, Gemma is the British Junior Champion and won Gold in the
Olympic Hopes in the Ukraine. This year has seen Gemma compete
in the Cadets, Juniors and Senior squads and she is a British
Judo Association Elite Player.
Gemma said: “I am absolutely
thrilled to have won this award. Just to be short listed meant
a lot to me, especially with the volume and high standard of entries
this year. This kind of recognition only makes me more determined
to continue to train and improve in what I do.
Over 400 entries from across
the UK were received in the OCS sponsored competition, which is
widely recognised as one of the most prestigious sports awards
for young people. Gemma and the other nine finalists will receive
their cheques for £2,500 at a ceremony hosted by top television
sports presenter Clare Balding on 23rd November in the OCS stand
at the Brit Oval in London. At the ceremony the overall OCS Young
Sports Person will also be announced – the winner will receive
£7,500 additional sponsorship over two years (making a total of
£10,000) plus a cheque for £2,500 for their school, college or
club.
Chris Cracknell, chief
executive of OCS says: “Choosing each of the regional winners
was a tough challenge because, as always, the quality of entries
was extremely high and covered a wide diversity of sports. Our
decision to shortlist Gemma reflects the significant achievements
she has made in her field over the past year and her astonishing
commitment and prowess.
“Supporting youngsters
at an age when funding isn’t readily available can really make
a difference, enabling them to continue to develop within their
sport and realise their full potential. We believe passionately
in the importance of nurturing young sporting talent, especially
as we look forward to the 2012 Olympics.”
The OCS Young Sports Person
Awards have been supporting sports stars of the future for nine
years and among the talented youngsters identified who subsequently
joined the ranks of Britain’s sporting greats are squash player
James Wilstropp, swimmer Rebecca Cooke and gymnast Beth Tweddle.
Last year’s overall National Winner Nathan Stephens has already
been singled out as a likely medal winner at the 2012 Paralympics.
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