Hull and East Yorkshire's Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards - Latest News

Shaun Briscoe

2010-09-06 00:00:00

Hull Kingston Rovers When I was asked to write this blog it suddenly dawned on me that it's almost a year since the first HEY Sports Awards - doesn't time fly when you're having fun being run at by 18 stone blokes every week?! In all seriousness, looking back to that night and picking up the two awards in the City was a very proud moment for me and my family. To be presented with the Professional Sports Personality Award and Community Engagement Award capped off a great year for me personally, and Rovers as a club. As professional sportsman we are in a very privileged position. We get the opportunity to play in front of big crowds and can enjoy the adulation of being given pats on the back when we've played well. Getting to that position takes a lot of hard work and dedication, not only from us as players, but the people that make it possible for us to play. The men and women that commit their time and effort to coach, mark the pitches, wash the kit - they all play an important part in helping players get to where they are today. These individuals are rarely given the recognition they deserve, but the HEY Sport Awards gives them that. Not that they do it for recognition. It takes a very selfless person to do what they do, and they get their satisfaction from watching the sport they have devoted so much of their lives to. Hull is a great sporting city at all levels, and there aren't many places in the country that compete with the amateur sport that takes place every weekend on the parks and fields around this city. None of this would be possible without people like Alan Parker and Peter Johnson, to name just two who were recognised last year. Hull has a fantastic sporting pedigree, and it's right that the HEY Sport Awards gives amateurs, volunteers, supporters and professionals the opportunity to celebrate that together.

First Hull Trains set to conquer the Loch Ness Monster

2010-09-02 00:00:00

A team of staff from First Hull Trains will travel to Loch Ness on September 11, but the Monster they will face is no mythical creature. They are heading to Inverness to take on the 120k duathlon, the First Monster Challenge to raise money for First Group's nominated charity, Save the Children. First Hull Trains is entering two teams in the team relay challenge this year and one employee is taking on the 120k challenge solo, even competing in the Iron Monster. The event has drawn in some big names in previous years with Nell McAndrew and Gavin Hastings competing last year. This year, Olympic Gold Medal 400m hurdler, Sally Gunnell, is lined up to compete in the team relay event alongside Gavin. This year's sold out event is testament to the hard work of First Hull Trains' parent company, First Group, which receives praise annually for the hard work that goes into the Monster challenge. Ian Dunn, operations manager for First Hull Trains, who is competing in the event for the third year running said: "It's a really fun, enjoyable event which keeps you fit and healthy. The scenery is gorgeous and time and time again the organisation of the whole event is spot on. The day before the Monster, myself and a colleague, Ian Waller, are going to swim across the Loch Ness which is about two miles, as a warm up to event." Ian is competing with fellow First Hull Trains team members Steph Young, Vicki Biggs, Julian Redfern, Sam Hook, Kelly Todd, Coreanna Dutton and Faye Matson. He added: "We're entering two different teams from First Hull Trains and there's a little bit of friendly competition between us at the moment. Last year, we challenged the younger team and we beat them, we're hoping for a similar result this year but it is all good fun and we're pooling our fundraising. We have a target of £1,350 and so far we've raised just under half of that." The event, which starts in Inverness and follows the Great Glen Way along the north side of Loch Ness, consists of eight stages - four running and four cycling. Each competitor completes one of the running stages and one of the cycling stages and at the end of each stage is a checkpoint where teams hand over to the next competitor. The mountainous countryside makes the 120k relay even more challenging for the teams, but Ian Dunn says that that's half the fun. He added: "In the past two years, my cycling leg has been up a mountain side and it's been a challenge, this year someone else has opted to do that leg which is a relief but I did secretly quite enjoy the challenge. "The shifts we work mean we ca'�t all train together, but we've been teaming up and running together in groups where we can. Ian Waller, who is doing the Iron Monster has been putting a lot of work in, doing up to 15 miles of running in preparation."

HOTTEST DERBY IN RUGBY LEAGUE GOES CULINARY IN THE DEVILS KITCHEN!

2010-08-31 00:00:00

Divided by allegiance, the badge on their chest and the colour of their apron! Two of Rugby Leagues bitterest of rivals went head to head once again this season, but this time... in the kitchen! Hosted by the Hallmark Hotel near Hull the hottest battle ever was set between the sides as Hull FC and Hull KR went head to head to deliver a three-course meal to 40 guests each to raise funds for sport in the region. The teams headed straight from the comfort of the training ground to the heat of Devils Kitchen, with players, coaches and club staff all taking part to raise funds for the KCFM Smile Foundation and Hull and East Yorkshire Sports Awards, who will distribute the takings amongst various worthy sporting projects in the region. The teams, which will include some notable faces such as Hull FC's Danny Houghton and Ben Cooper as well as their colleague from across the River Hull, prepared, cooked and served a delicious meal to a ravenous selection of guests, including eight rather hungry members of the Black and Whites first-team squad, who in turn donated the money they feel was justified for the food they have received. The exciting evening was a concept that has been worked up by KCFM Smile Foundation Charity Manager, Andrew Barber, who has now completed six Devils Kitchen raising over £30,000 for charity. The Hull Derby Devils Kitchen is one of a number of events that both clubs and KCFM are supporting in the run up to this year's Hull & East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions Award which take place on December 2nd 2010. The awards, which were launched for the first time last year, don't just celebrate the tremendous achievements of our regions professional athletes but focus heavily on the work and commitment of those people who contribute a great deal to the ever prospering amateur and junior sports projects in the area. David Townend of First Hull Trains, the organiser and sponsor of the awards, said, "All the professional clubs have fully got behind the awards and it's great to see the players and backroom staff taking to the kitchen and coming out of their comfort zone to support the charitable aspect of the awards." All seats were taken for the fantastic evening's entertainment and the heat was on for each team to produce the best meal from a menu consisting from Ballotine of Salmon with horseradish crème fraiche and handmade granary bread to a dessert of team colour themed brandy snap baskets and Chantilly cream. The ingredients for the menu and venue were provided free of charge by the New Hallmark Hotel, formally the queen Elizabeth Hotel in North Ferriby. General Manger Emma Patterson said, "Devils Kitchen is a great way for us to support charities and sport in this area, and we certainly put the teams through their paces." Meanwhile, Hull FC Chief Executive James Rule added, "We have been involved with the HEY Sports Awards and the KCFM Smile Foundation for some time now and are proud to be supporting events like this and ultimately helping to generate some funds to help local sport at an amateur and community level in our region. "I mentioned in my blog on the HEY Sports Awards website recently about the importance and stature of sport in this region, which relies upon the junior and amateur networks and therefore the more events like this the better." He added, "Having said that, I am not sure exactly how good the Hull FC team's culinary skills will be, but I know Ben Cooper, our Strength and Conditioning coach, has been getting excited for weeks and has even been practising!"

Sean Long

2010-08-24 00:00:00

Captain of Hull FC As an outsider coming into the City of Hull, there was one thing that struck me immediately. You are all mad! I mean it in the best possible sense of course, but put simply, you are all mad for your sport. Rugby League particularly is stand out over here. I know from being back home in Wigan that even then, you could'�t ignore the passion for the game in Hull. Whether that was when we played over here or came to watch a game or the various stories you would hear about the amateur game in the City. However, once you actually arrive it just lifts to a different level. Everywhere you go, people are taking about sport, not just Rugby League but football and cricket too. Then you turn around and there is always a game going on somewhere, whether it is a local match in the park or some lads throwing a ball around in the streets. Couple that with what I have now witnessed from the field and the stands at the Hull Derbies and you know it is something special. So, all this did get me thinking the other day about why it is so mad over here and when I was asked to write this blog, it soon made me realise why. When you are brought up on something that everyone around you believes so passionately about, you simply cannot ignore it. I remember playing as a youngster and falling in love with this great game and when that is being instilled into you from birth, ensuring you become either Black and White, Red and White or even Black and Amber, there will only be one outcome. A lot of it comes down to those who steer you down those respective paths, including your parents who are the unsung heroes for many and of course those who coach you. I have worked with some fantastic people through the years and I cannot praise them enough for what they have helped me and others achieve, so to have awards like this is fantastic to recognise their contribution. One of my first appearances after joining the club was to attend last year's awards and it was a real privilege. There were some great stories and some fitting awards and just meeting and talking to some of the people there that night, it brought all the madness home. I know that there will be more people deserving of some special recognition this year and on behalf of the players at Hull FC, I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone who is nominated and our thanks to them for helping us enjoy something that we love.

1000 FREE TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY!

2010-08-19 00:00:00

Hull Wasps Basketball take on the Warrington Wolves at the Bonus Arena on Saturday 28th August (7:30pm). Don't miss out on this fantastic special offer... We're giving away up to 1000 free tickets for you, your friends and the whole family! There's no catch, simply apply online via our website, and you will receive a voucher via email. Just print and bring along with you to the game. WHY THE GIVE AWAY? We love our sport and think that the passion and excitement is second to none. We want to build Hull�s club and make game nights both entertaining and great value. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the fun, so take advantage and come along on Saturday 28th August and experience a night of end-to-end action like never before! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKET VOUCHER Please remember to forward this onto your friends and family so they can have the chance to see Hull's National League basketball team for free.

HULL TO GO 'ON THE ROAD' WITH KINGSTON COMMUNICATIONS

2010-08-16 00:00:00

Local communications provider KC and Hull FC are delighted to announce a new partnership that will see KC supporting the club's community vision to 'engage, educate and inspire'. The partnership will see KC and Hull FC on the road for a series of roadshows across East Yorkshire during the year to come, as well as hosting two Fan Park events in West Park on home match days and player appearances in schools and at community events. Jon Flatman, Hull FC's Community Director, said: "This partnership is great news for the club. It will allow us to extend our reach into East Yorkshire and achieve the community aims of the Hull FC Foundation. "KC, like Hull FC, is a local institution with a long history of community involvement, and we're pleased to have the chance to work with the KC team to get closer to our existing fans and hopefully attract new ones." Nick Thompson, KC's Director of Consumer Services, said: "At KC we're proud that we're part of local life, and proud of the contribution we make to the community by investing in activities that matter to our customers. "We're delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Hull FC, an organisation with an excellent reputation in the community. We're looking forward to getting out on the road with the club soon and meeting the fans that make it, and our region, so great."

Children's charity gets a boost from sports awards

2010-08-11 00:00:00

Locally-based children's education and sporting development charity, Hull Children's University, will be the first organisation to benefit from Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards' grant scheme. The HEY Sports Awards, organised in partnership by First Hull Trains and KCFM 99.8, launched for the first time last November and culminated in a glittering awards ceremony. Now, the money raised by the awards (over £5,000) is being distributed to sporting clubs and worthy causes in Hull and the East Riding. The first grant of £880 will be presented to the Hull Children's University this week, to support the charity in some of its work providing sporting sessions in partnership with several local schools. Two sponsors from this year's event, Hull City Council and Princess Quay, will present John Buttrick from Hull Children's University with the cheque. John said: "The grant will make an enormous difference for us at the Children's University. Money is always tight so we're grateful for any sponsorship but the money from the HEY Sports Awards will pay for a whole module of sessions, so we are indebted to First Hull Trains and KCFM for this really. "The children love the 'Life fitness' module, which sees us taking them down to Total Fitness gym, in Willerby. I think that it has impressed upon the parents the importance of a healthy lifestyle, after seeing how much their children enjoy it and hearing about what they learn during the sessions." These sessions are set to include team games, circuit training, spin biking, running, using special children's gym equipment (including things like the treadmill, cross trainer and rowing machine), as well as inspiring and motivating them to become more involved in sport and lead healthier lifestyles. The university will also give short learning sessions about how the body works and why a healthy lifestyle and diet is important. "The module is four two hour sessions", said Mr Buttrick. "Hiring buses, paying administration costs and having a teacher around to be in charge all adds up. We're extremely grateful for the help, it means that our course of exercise and activities can continue and that the children can learn what constitutes a healthy lifestyle." The grant has been carefully allocated by the sports awards team to allow the university to provide these sessions, supporting one of the Children's University modules that helps support health and wellbeing and an outlook on sport for youngsters from a Hull school. David Townend, sales and marketing manager at First Hull Trains, said: "We're delighted to be presenting the Children's University with this grant money to assist in delivering education about sport and a healthier lifestyle to children from across the region. "The HEY sports awards were established not only to recognise and reward our local heroes, but to highlight the need for people to take part in sport and lead an active healthier lifestyle. The Children's University is a fantastic cause to support, as it's teaching young children the importance of sport in keeping fit and leading a healthy life." The grant scheme has been made possible as a result of the incredible amount of money raised during the 2009 awards. Following research into potential funding opportunities, nearly £5,000 will be distributed to local individuals and clubs, helping the development of local heroes and champions and encouraging participation in sport in Hull and the East Riding. Two different types of funding have been established to suit the winning categories from the HEY Sports Awards. Heroes Grants will be awarded to those who show exceptional talent, commitment and sporting achievement in their field, but may have limited means to purchase equipment or training necessary to progress. Champions Grants will be awarded to those who help provide leisure activities with a view to increasing the conditions of life through sport, whether this is through an educational establishment, charitable organisation, club or association. Andy Barber, charity manager for the KCFM Smile Foundation, said: "This is the first of many grant payments we will make from the funds we raised last year, with payments ranging from £100 through to £1,000. "This funding will support athletes and clubs who may not have the means to pay for equipment and progression themselves."

James Rule

2010-08-11 00:00:00

Hull FC Chief Executive I think the concept of the Hull & East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes & Champions awards is superb and something this area of proud sporting heritage deserves. Not only does the City of Hull boast four top-flight sporting teams in Hull FC, Hull KR, Hull City and the Hull Stingrays, there is an expansive and vast network of semi professional, amateur and junior sporting networks that cover the region and touch many people. This is something that has become quite apparent through the work of the Hull FC Foundation. We pride ourselves on being the leading club for bringing sport to young children across this area with our aim of engaging, educating and inspiring. Through this work, we have been able to help and recognise literally thousands of people who exude passion and commitment for various activities and show the strength, desire and willpower to not only help themselves succeed and develop, but those around them too. It is these people that deserve special praise and this is exactly why these awards are such a great idea and a fitting tribute to everyone who contributes to this fabulous sporting landscape across Hull and East Yorkshire. Whether an award recognises individuals or not, I think this entire concept is a true reflection of the work that everyone puts in to something we can all be proud of. After all, our club moto is 'Hull and Proud' and for me, that says it all.

William Myles

2010-08-06 00:00:00

Here at P&O Ferries we are proud to be backing the Hull & East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards. Sport plays a major part in the local community and the awards give supporters, coaches, players and even the background sporting heroes a chance to shine. Our backing to local sport runs deeply through our support to rugby league within the area to our work with local schools and clubs providing new kit to other sporting equipment, opportunities such as this gives organisations such as ourselves a unique link to its community. We hope our support to this year's awards plays a part in its continued development; we are specifically delighted to be able to use our resources to celebrate success here within Hull & East Yorkshire. Good luck to all the nominees this year! William Myles, P&O Ferries

Netballers come together to support a good cause

2010-07-23 00:00:00

A Humber-wide netball tournament is being held at the Hull University on Sunday to raise funds for Cancer Research and bring netballers together from throughout the region. Reckitt Benckiser Netball Club are holding their annual tournament for clubs in the Humber with 24 teams from Hull and East Yorkshire, Brigg, Grimsby and Scunthorpe competing to be the best senior team in the Humber. The even is held on 25th July 10am-4pm on the outside courts at the sports centre on Inglemire Lane and spectators are more than welcome to support the ladies and the fundraising activities on the day. Pauline Hardy of the Reckitt Benckiser Netball team is looking forward to the event "This is a great opportunity to bring the local netball world together in to one tournament and this also helps to generate income to support our club and raise money for a very good cause in Cancer Research" For information on the tournament and netball across the Humber please contact Pauline Hardy on 07540 126591 or Pauline.Hardy@englandnetball.co.uk