Rhinos legend ‘Sir Kev’ picks up top civic honour

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield MBE has received one of the city’s highest civic honours this week.

In a special ceremony held at Leeds Civic Hall, ‘Sir Kev’ as he is affectionately known by many Rhinos fans was recognised for his fantastic contribution to the game and to the city with the ‘Leeds Award’, which was presented by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Judith Chapman.

Kevin, who was made captain of the club at the age of just 22, was surprised with the accolade by the leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake at a special city dinner marking the historic treble by the Rhinos last season. This week’s event was a chance for the 35-year-old to collect his award in person and see his name written on the hall of fame ‘Leeds Award’ wall.

During an illustrious 18-year career, Kevin, who led the Rhinos to seven Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and three League Leader’s shields also scored close to 4,000 points for the Headingley side before announcing a move late last year to rugby union and Leeds Carnegie.

Capped 14 times by Great Britain and 27 times by England who he also skippered, Kevin also claimed the prestigious 2012 Golden Boot which is an award for the best rugby league player in the world.

During his time in Leeds, Kevin has also been a tremendous role model to both young and old, and continues to add his support to a range of community projects, campaigns and initiatives in the city.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Chapman said:

“It was a real honour to welcome Kevin to the civic hall and be able to present him in person with the Leeds Award which is richly deserved.

“Kevin’s achievements in rugby league and especially for the Rhinos are well known, but it is also his work outside the game, and his outstanding personal qualities that made him such a stand-out candidate to be given this accolade.”

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake said:

“Kevin is an exceptional role model who has contributed massively not just to the game of rugby, but also in such a positive way to the city of Leeds during his truly outstanding career.

“It was only right therefore that as a city we acknowledged Kevin’s immense contribution, which is why last year support was unanimous when his name was first mentioned for a Leeds Award. As I said at the time when the award was announced, Kevin simply is the epitome of what you want a sportsperson to be, and a real inspiration, especially to our young people.”

Notes to editors:

The Leeds Award is a prestigious honour that recognises that there are many people, groups, organisations and teams that bring great credit to the City through their exceptional hard work and dedication.

It has been established by Leeds City Council to formally recognise those whose outstanding contributions are a credit to the City and its people.

It is viewed as a lasting tribute to those contributions that make a real difference to the city.

Recipients of the Leeds Award will have their name inscribed on the ‘wall of fame’ located in the Ante Chamber of the Civic Hall.

A panel comprising of one Member from each Group is responsible for assessing nominations for the award and making recommendations to Full Council.

Criteria for granting the Award:

• Awarded to those who change the life or lives of the people of Leeds.
• For those who perform an exceptional service to their community
• Normally precluded from the Leeds Award if previously recognised for the same service by a national award, within the last 15 years.
• A person/team/group/organisation may not nominate themselves and, where appropriate, letters of support in addition to the nomination may be required
• If an individual is nominated by a family member, another independent nomination or letter of support must be received

The Leeds Award is not for:

• Councillors
• Services that have their own recognition system
• Person who is in a leadership/chairing role by deed of appointment or election, e.g. Chair of a local Leeds in Bloom group who also have to be able to demonstrate a significant environmental improvement.

Unsuccessful nominations may be re-submitted after a period of two years.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk