26 exceptional individuals and community groups have been chosen as finalists for the prestigious 2019 Exeter Chiefs Foundation Devon Sports Awards. It’s the 22nd year that the awards are being made.

Those shortlisted include coaches, clubs, volunteers and sportspeople from right across Devon. Once again they reflect a truly diverse range of sports including netball, water polo, rowing, swimming and tennis.

The Awards, which will take place on July 11th at Sandy Park, celebrate sporting contributions and achievements from community level coaching and workplace fitness right through to the next generation of elite sports performers. The main purpose of the Awards is to recognise those who inspire people to participate at all levels of sport and physical activity.

“The Devon Sports Awards are all about embracing the amazing work being carried out within the community at every level.” said Tony Rowe, chairman of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

“Over the years we have witnessed some amazing achievements, and I’ve no doubt that this year’s awards ceremony will remind us of even more.”

“As a county we should be very proud of all our clubs, facilities and, of course, the sportsmen and women of all ages who give so much. Please get behind all of our nominees and show your support as we continue to put Devon firmly on the sporting map.”

The expert judging panel, co-ordinated by Active Devon who are overseeing the Awards in partnership with the Exeter Chiefs Foundation and Exeter College, has so far whittled the entries down to the final 26 individuals, teams and clubs from an extremely strong pool of well over 100 nominations. Finalists in the two remaining categories, the Business Contribution to Sport in the Community and Business Contribution to Staff Wellbeing Through Sporting Activity, will be announced shortly.

Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Exeter College said: “Exeter College is delighted to be a partner for the Devon Sports Awards once again. It’s always great to be able to recognise the unsung heroes that keep sport and physical activity thriving in Devon. We continue to invest in sport and physical activity for our students and will this year launch our new £2.4m Gym and Dance Studio.”

In addition to the 10 main award categories, the most prestigious honour of the evening is for Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Devon. It is awarded from amongst the winners of each category and will be announced at the end of the celebration evening.

“The judges really do have a tough time having to choose from such a strong pool of entries” said Matt Evans, Chief Executive of Active Devon.

“The Devon Sports Awards is a special way in which we can celebrate their achievements. We want to thank everyone who nominated someone special in their sport.”

The full list of 2019 finalists is:

Devon Coach of the Year

• Danny Anstey, City of Plymouth Trampoline & Gymnastics
• James Lake, Tavistock Swimming Club
• Phil Shears, Newton Abbot Water Polo

Devon Young Coach of the Year

• Cody Levell, Totnes & Dartington Disability Football
• James Jennings, South Devon Tennis Centre
• Tristen Olner, Power Athletics Cheerleading Academy

Devon Volunteer of the Year

• Candace Jewell, Bideford Amateur Athletics Club
• Rex Meredith, Castle Inn Rowers
• Susanne Jennings, Breeze Champion

Devon Young Volunteer of the Year

• Beth Groves, St Budeaux Tennis Club
• Guy Hamer, Healthy Humans Group
• Harris Surry, Making Waves Together Project

Contribution to Inclusive Sport

• Living Options – Deaf Get Active and Volunteer
• Matthew Ovey, Barnstaple Youth Ability Games
• Street Factory CIC

Devon Club of the Year

• Axe Vale Netball Club
• Exeter Roller Derby
• Ivybridge Rugby Club

Workplace Activity Champion

• Charlotte Gill, Livewell Southwest
• Frances Connell
• Lisa Cruise

Performances in Community Sport

• Ashmoor Hockey Club
• Bryony Frost
• Dawlish Ladies Football Club U18s
• City of Plymouth Trampoline & Gymnastics Club
• Tilly Robinson, Westcountry Hawks

Business Contribution to Sport in the Community

(Finalists to be announced shortly)

Business Contribution to Staff Wellbeing Through Sporting Activity

(Finalists to be announced shortly)

More information about the Devon Sports Awards is on the Devon Sports Awards Facebook page @DevonSportsAwards and Twitter @DevSportsAwards. Tickets can be purchased for the Awards at Sandy Park.

Contact enquiries@exeterchiefsfoundation.org.uk for more details.

More information about Active Devon is available at www.activedevon.org or Matt Evans on 01392 925150