Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2009

Incoming press release from the Sunday Times. We're thinking a certain Chrissie Wellington - with the tri community behind her - could be in with a chance. Get voting people!

Published: August 27, 2009 at 8:27 am

Incoming press release from the Sunday Times. We're thinking a certain Chrissie Wellington - with the tri community behind her - could be in with a chance. Get voting people!



Nominations are now open for The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2009 which recognise the whole spectrum of female sporting success from leading sportswomen through to rising stars, to those working behind the scenes.



Now in their 22nd year, the awards, which are among the most prestigious and influential in the British sporting calendar, will be presented on Thursday 1st October 2009 in London. The event is sponsored by Sport England, UK Sport, and CCPR. The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation is also lending its support and is the event’s charity partner.



Fresh for this year are three new award categories – Sport Businesswoman of the Year and Sports Leader of the Year – both designed to reward the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of sports administration, management, marketing and promotion. Also the new Lifetime Achievement Award which will recognise a lifetime of sporting success.



This year also, two new faces will join the panel of Sportswomen of the Year Award judges - namely Olympic legend Tessa Sanderson and 2009 X Games Champion Snowboarder, Jenny Jones - to give their fresh perspective and unique insights.



As well as celebrating high-profile athletes - previous winners include Nicole Cooke, the England women’s cricket team, Paula Radcliffe, Denise Lewis and Zara Phillips - the event recognises women at all levels of British sporting life including administrators working tirelessly behind the scenes and PE teachers nurturing future talent.

Over the next few weeks, The Sunday Times is inviting people to nominate a friend, colleague or professional they think deserves special recognition. A panel of judges, chaired by Eleanor Oldroyd, BBC 5 Live sports broadcaster, will decide the winners in each of the ten categories (see Editors’ Notes for the full list of categories).



Nominations close on 23rd September. Everyone who nominates will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a pair of tickets to the main event.



Never has there been a better time to reflect the success of female athletes in a whole variety of sport disciplines and in doing so, provide inspirational role models for females of all ages. Make your voice heard – visit www.timesonline.co.uk/sportswomen to nominate now!