THE shortlist for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awards has been announced.

Organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the accolades recognise members of the two counties’ community for their achievements.

Those shortlisted encompass a wide variety of sports, from speed skating to wheelchair basketball, showcasing the talent and commitment of individuals from the area.

The winners will be unveiled at the annual event, which is attended by more than 250 amateur and professional sports people, local businesses and dignitaries, next Wednesday at Sixways Stadium, Worcester.

Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms MBE will be there to inspire those attending as guest speaker.

Stephen Brewster, director of the sports partnership, said: “This event is our chance to honour our local sports men and women, coaches, volunteers, clubs and officials.

“The high calibre of those nominated made it extremely difficult to shortlist, so congratulations must go out to all those who have been shortlisted as it was very tough to select just three.

“Recognising sporting achievements and celebrating good practice within the sporting community is at the very heart of what we do and we will be championing the hard work and talent that exists within Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“We are looking forward to unveiling the winners at the awards evening next week.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased from morethansport.com/sportsawards.

THE FULL SHORTLIST

Sports Personality of the Year: Joe Leach (Worcestershire County Cricket Club), Beth Crumpton (British Cycling), Chris Pennell (Worcester Warriors), Sascha Kindred (Paralympic Swimmer), Claire Cashmore (Paralympic Swimmer), Sean Geddes (Worcester City FC).

Senior Male Sports Person of the Year: Phil Pratt (Wheelchair Basketball), Isaac Florence (Fencing), Ryan Atkins (Bowls).

Senior Female Sports Person of the Year: Charlotte Gilmartin (Short Track Speed Skating), Sophie Carrigill (Wheelchair Basketball), Barbara Gibson (Badminton).

Junior Male Sports Person of the Year: Matt Richards (Worcester Swimming Club), James Bilbao (City of Hereford Swimming Club), Joshua Pearson (Bromsgrove & Redditch Athletics Club).

Junior Female Sports Person of the Year: Danielle Lawson (Fencing), Tazmin Pugh (Swimming), Darcie Hancocks (Samurai Judo Club).

Coach of the Year: Tony Wright (Kidderminster Tennis Club), Phil Woodyatt (Bromsgrove & Redditch Athletic Club), Tom Naughton (Pershore Swimming Club), Gary Barrell (Worcestershire County U14 & U16 Girls Football Team).

Young Volunteer of the Year: Ashleigh Beaven, Hannah Tapping, Matthew Plumpton, Alex Randall.

Junior Team of the Year: Dyson Perrins Rugby Squad, Barnards Green U11/U12 Cricket Club, Malvern Cycle Sport.

Community Club of the Year: City of Hereford Swimming Club, Ross Juniors FC, Malvern Cycle Sport.

Disabled Sports Person of the Year: Jennifer Chesterman (Special Olympics GB), Thomas Keeley (Special Olympics GB), Sophie Carrigill (GB Women’s Wheelchair Basketball).

Volunteer of the Year: Peter Barker (Upton Rowing Club), Matthew Rogers (Redditch Community Amateur Boxing Club), Shirley Purvis (Cripplegate Park Ladies Bowls Club).

Unsung Hero: Alec Davies (Worcester St John’s Cycling Club), Jane Poynder (Malvern Manor Park Sports Club), Sue Perks (Special Olympics Worcestershire/Wyre Forest Gymnastics School).

Community Project of the Year: Malvern Mammoths, Homeless Rugby Warriors WYMCA, Worcester ParkRun.