Northamptonshire woman nominated for 'champion for change' award Variety Club Disability Sports Awards

A Northamptonshire woman has been named as a finalist in the 'champion for change' award at the Variety Club Disability Sports Awards.

Variety, the Children’s Charity, has announced its talented finalists for the inaugural Variety Club Disability Sports Awards – the UK’s only annual sports awards for people with disabilities.

The event recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of UK athletes with disabilities, as well as clubs who have helped to make the sporting world a more diverse and inclusive place.

Jessica Runicles, head of sustainability, Motorsport UK, said:“It is important for the work done by members of the disabled motorsport community to be celebrated. Ambassadors such as Nathalie McGloin and Nicolas Hamilton, and car clubs such as Loughborough, have shown that sustained success is possible on track, but have also allowed the disabled community to access – and subsequently enjoy - motorsport. Recognising those efforts via the Variety Awards will not only showcase their pioneering efforts but also inspire others to follow the opportunities they have created.”

Adam Hills MBE added: "I am so happy to say I will be hosting the awards in October. I am passionate about making the sporting world an inclusive place for everyone, and these awards are very important for recognising the achievements of people with disabilities. It's fantastic to see such a step forward towards inclusivity."

Full awards finalists list

Rising Star Award

· Alfie Pyle (aged 21 from Sussex)

· Tyler McLelland (aged 17 from Windygates, Scotland)

· Nathan Collins (aged 22 from Swillington, West Yorkshire)

Unsung Hero Award

· Caroline Johnston, Disability Athletics (from Glasgow, Scotland)

· Tracy Strainer, Multi-Sports (aged 53 from Aberdeen, Scotland)

· Gareth Foster, Rugby League (aged 32 from St Helens, Merseyside)

Accessible Sporting Venue Award

· Aberdeen Sports Village

· Disability Sports Yorkshire

· Sportscotland National Training Centre Inverclyde

Sports Icon Award

· Nicholas Hamilton (aged 31 from Stevenage, Hertfordshire)

· Neil Fachie MBE (aged 39 from Aberdeen, Scotland)

· Alfie Hewett (aged 25 from Norwich, Norfolk)

Innovation Award

· England and Wales Cricket Board

· Perth and Kinross Disability Sport (PKDS)

· LUSU Sports

Champion for Change Award

· Niall Guite, Cycling (aged 29 from Sheffield, South Yorkshire)

· Nathalie McGloin, Motorsports (from Towcester, Northamptonshire)

· Kieran Burns, Wheelchair Football (aged 26 from Bishopbriggs, Scotland)

Community and Clubs Award

· Loughborough Car Club

· Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club

· Worcester RFC

Leeds Local Legend Award

· Winner to be honoured and announced on the night of the event

Outstanding Team Achievement Award

· England Learning Disability Cricket Team

· IBSA (International Blind Sports Assoc.) World Games GB Tennis Team

· Wales Deaf Rugby

The official winners will be announced and honoured at a glittering awards dinner at the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, on October 30, hosted by comedian and disability advocate Adam Hills MBE, and Chief Executive Officer of GB Snowsport and Chair of British Surfing, Vicky Gosling OBE. Tickets and table bookings for the event are still available to the public, and can be purchased via the Variety website here.