Olympics starRoger to hostsport awards

Burnley Leisure has announced that

the former World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, a role model for the younger generation, is coming to Burnley to help recognise and celebrate the contributions of local people and communities to sport, physical activity, and community development.

Paul Foster, head of development at Burnley Leisure, said: “It is with great pleasure we announce athletics legend Roger Black as the host and guest speaker for our 10th annual Community Sports Awards ceremony.

“Following the success of last year’s Sports Awards, 2016’s event is set to be bigger, better and once again full of Olympic glory.”

For 14 years Roger represented Great Britain at the highest level in the world of athletics. The greatest achievement in his career was winning the Olympic 400 metre silver medal in 1996.

The British sprinter has collected a mixture of silver and gold from the 400m and the 4x400m relays through several appearances at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World Championships.

He was British Men’s Team captain and was made an MBE in 1992 in recognition of his sporting achievements.

Since hanging up his spikes for the last time, Roger has worked in media as a presenter for BBC News and BBC Sport, covering the 2000 Sydney Olympics, among other global sporting championships. He remains one of the UK’s greatest 400m runners.

Together with his fellow Olympian Steve Backley, Roger has managed to transfer Olympic performance into the workplace and launched an app which helps people achieve their professional and personal goals.

Nominations for Burnley Community Sports Awards will be open soon and further information will be available online at www.burnleyleisure.co.uk or by calling 01282 477167.

The awards pay tribute to those who show dedication at a range of levels or those who work tirelessly to support individuals or community clubs, for the love of the sport or their community.

Categories include club and coach of the year, volunteer and young volunteer of the year, school of the year, rising star, health champion, community award and more.

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony at Burnley Mechanics Theatre on July 21st.

For all enquiries, including how to sponsor an award, contact Michelle Grimes on 01282 477167 or by email [email protected]