Finalists announced for 2023 Leeds Sports Awards

The finalists have been announced for the 20^th Annual Leeds Sports Awards to take place at New Dock Hall on Friday 17^th March.

After a record level of nominations, 51 finalists have been chosen, with World, European and National Champions amongst those short-listed including Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE, Tom Pidcock MBE, Jack Laugher MBE and Hannah Cockroft OBE. The finalists include a large number of individuals and teams who have been selected for the very first time.

The awards celebrate the sporting achievements of athletes of all ages and levels, coaches administrators, volunteers and the Community Champions, who kept their communities active during 2022. A new award, the Inclusivity Champion, has been introduced to recognise those organisations who have created and developed programmes to demonstrate that diversity is at the heart of everything they do.

In addition to the 16 awards, the highlight of the evening will be the Sporting Pride of Leeds Award sponsored by Leeds Beckett University. The winner of this award will be revealed on the night. Previous winners include Josh Warrington, Kevin Sinfield OBE and last year’s recipient, Rob Burrow MBE.

Peter Smith Chair of Sport Leeds said

“The awards have grown from a small “invite only” ceremony to one of the highlights of the Leeds Sporting calendar with an attendance in excess of 600 expected for this year’s event. We look forward to celebrating the sporting successes and commitment of all those involved in sport across the city.”

The 2023 Leeds Sports Awards are delivered by Sport Leeds along with event partners Leeds City Council and Leeds Beckett University with the support of Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Sixth Form College and the University of Leeds.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from Leeds Ticket Hub via the link here: https://bit.ly/3XiF5Kd

The 2023 Leeds Sports Awards Finalists are:

Athletes of the City (Sponsored by Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds Sports Connect

Sportsman

Harry Brook

Jack Laugher MBE

Tom Pidcock MBE

Sportswoman

Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE

Keely Hodgkinson

Lizzie Bird

Disability Sportsman

Fin Tonner

James Simpson

Nathan Collins

Nick Leigh

Tom Halliwell

Disability Sportswoman

Hannah Cockroft OBE

Jess Fullagar

Jodie Boyd-Ward

Kadeena Cox OBE

Zara Mullooly

Young Disability Sportsperson

Lucas Town

Lydia Warner

Oliver Porter

Young Female Sportsperson

Kidiest Hodgson

Leah Schlosshan

Scarlet Garland

Young Male Sportsperson

Charlie Broome

Jake Passmore

Nathan Hampshire

Beacons of the City (Sponsored by Leeds Trinity University)

Active Schools

Prince Henry's Grammar School

The Ruth Gorse Academy

Trinity Academy Leeds

Outstanding Service to Sport

John Baron

Maggie Birkinshaw

Participation Coach

Bob Jackson

Ghulam Rafique

Robyn 'Bo' Steward

Tris Spellacy

Participation Team/Club

Holbeck Moor Football Club

Leeds Rhinos PDRL

Potternewton Park Rollers

Student Sport Champion

Leeds Beckett American Football

Leeds Beckett Cricket Club

Leeds University Union Women's Rugby Union Football Club

University of Leeds Fencing Club

Champions of the City

 Inclusivity Champion

Leeds Rhinos Foundation

Michael Melia

West Yorkshire Goalball Club

Inspirational Community Champion (sponsored by University of Leeds)

Danny and Louise Barnes

Joe Pickering

Limitless - Leeds Girls Can

Sam and Craig Gilmore

Performance Coach

Adam Smallwood

Deanne Ward-Hopkins

Lois Forsell

Performance Team/Club

Leeds Rhinos Under 18s Academy

Leeds Rhinos Women

Leeds/Bradford UCCE