Daniel Purvis at this years Sports Awards being held at Southport Theatre (July 8)

Photo: Daniel Purvis

Olympic bronze medal winner, Daniel Purvis, will be guest of honour at this year’s Sefton Sports Awards.

The annual celebration of local sport is being held at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre on Wednesday, July 8.

The awards champion the fantastic achievements of the borough’s sports people, of all ages and abilities, as well as the volunteers, clubs, schools and other organisations that support them and Crosby based Daniel knows first-hand just how important the awards are.

Daniel, who was named Sport Awards Male Personality of the Year in 2012, said: “My Sefton Sports Award trophy is one of my favourite awards on my shelf at home. I felt so honoured to receive it, especially coming in the year of the London Olympics because it really reminded me of how much Sefton has helped me get where I am.

“My school is in Crosby, my gym is in Ainsdale and the whole of Sefton has been supportive throughout my career so the award is one I’m really proud of.”

Daniel also believes that awards are important in helping to generate a rewarding environment for everyone involved in sports across the borough.

Daniel continued: “I have attended a number of Sports Awards evenings over the years and I have always been massively impressed by the high standard of talent we have across Sefton.

“Not just athletes but amazing coaches, teachers and support groups, so it is important that we recognise and praise their achievements and this is something the awards do so well.

“The inspirational staff working in schools and clubs across Sefton, like my own gym Southport YMCA, welcome youngsters and create a safe, caring and stimulating environment and this, combined with the efforts of amazing parents who taxi their children around, is vital in developing the next batch of successful Sefton performers.”

Daniel will be giving a short speech at the awards and no doubt this will inspire many of the youngsters in attendance, so we wanted to find out what words of advice he will give Sefton’s budding young sports personalities.

He added: “The most important thing is to work hard and listen to the words of advice you will get from coaches and parents. But also, believe in yourself, stay focused and accept that disappointments are part of the road to success.”

So what is next for the local Olympian who has already won Bronze at the European Championships in Montpellier and crowned Best Male Gymnast in Britain earlier this year?

Daniel said: “It is a massive end to the year for me as I am hoping to make the British team for the World Championships in Glasgow in October, which is the big one as this championship is all about qualifying a team for Rio 2016.”

The Sefton Sports Awards is organised by Active Sefton which is part of Sefton Council’s Health and Wellbeing portfolio.

Tickets are still available for the event and cost £160 for a table of 10 or £18 per ticket. For further details call 0151 934 4799.

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