Achi news desk-
The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2021 kicks off the national call for public nominations this Sunday (12 September).
The prestigious awards, now in their 34th year, have led the way in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contribution made to sport by women at all levels, from the elite to the grassroots.
For the next two weeks, the British public are invited to submit nominations for the seven categories at www.sportswomenoftheyear.co.uk Nominations are open until 11:59pm 27 September.
1. The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2021
The ultimate honor for your favorite sportswoman this year
2. Young Player of the Year
Nominees must have been aged 21 or under on January 1, 2021
3. Disability Sportswoman of the Year
Outstanding performer in disability sports
4. Team of the Year
Celebrating the achievements of Britain’s successful collective efforts
5. Changemaker Award
Celebrating those who have inspired others and used their platforms to create change
5. Country Floor Award
For individuals who have actively engaged with different groups of people in their community through sport
6. The Helen Rollason Award for inspiration
Recognizing an inspirational effort in honor of the late sports presenter Helen Rollason
Rebecca Myers, sports journalist for the Sunday Times said;
“After a challenging year, women’s sport has come back with a vengeance in 2021, incredible performances at Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Paralympics, the Women’s Premier League, and more. These awards have more to celebrate than ever.
The SWOTY awards recognize the tremendous strength and iron determination of successful women in sport from those at the top of their professional careers to those who encourage others to try something new over the weekend. We are also delighted to introduce the ‘Changemaker Award’ which will honor those who use their influence and platform to inspire and motivate others.”
The online nomination process will close at 11:59pm on Monday 27 September.
A panel of experts will then select the appropriate shortlists. This year’s judging panel includes household names Gabby Logan (BBC sports presenter), Chemmy Alcott (former World Cup alpine ski racer), Ama Agbeze (former England netball captain and Games gold medalist of the Commonwealth), Rebecca Adlington OBE (World and Olympic champion swimmer), Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE (former England and Great Britain hockey captain and Olympic gold medallist), Natalie Sawyer (Sports Breakfast co-host TalkSPORT Weekend), Chrissie Wellington OBE (four-time Ironman triathlon world champion), Tanni Grey-Thompson OBE (Paralympian and world champion wheelchair racer), Ellie Simmonds OBE (Paralympic swimmer and world champion), Laura Woods (talkSPORT sports presenter and Sky), Helen Glover MBE (Olympic and world champion rower)
The shortlist will be published and voting will open on Sunday 17th October, with the public able to vote for their winners until Wednesday 17th November.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony which is streamed live on Thursday 25 November.
Previous winners of the top prize, the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year award, include Dina Asher-Smith, Elise Christie, Sally Gunnell, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Denise Lewis, Lady Kelly Holmes, Zara Phillips, Victoria Pendleton and Christine Ohuruogu. Hollie Doyle, the British jockey who competes in flat racing, was crowned Sportswoman of the Year 2021 last November.
The Sportswomen of the Year Awards are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar and are supported by the Sports and Leisure League, UK Sport, Sport England and Women in Sport.
Follow the latest news and get involved by following #SWOTY in the lead up to the Awards
