SCHOOLS take centre stage in the final shortlists for the Active York Sports Awards.

The last three categories have been revealed for the inaugural prize gala that will recognise sporting achievement in a glitzy dinner at the University of York on Wednesday, April 9.

The awards are being organised by Active York - the city’s sport and active leisure partnership working to encourage people to be more active more often - and are backed by The Press.

Today's awards categories featured are Active School of the Year, Coach/volunteer of the year and Disabled Sportsperson of the Year.

Other categories include Young Male Sportsperson, Young Female Sportsperson, Young Disabled Sportsperson, Team/Club Award, Student Sportsperson of the Year, Sportsman, Sportswoman, Young Sportsperson of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year and Active Workplace.

The awards will be judged by members of the Active York board, which includes sporting partners from across the city, with the winners announced at the dinner.

Greg Dyke, chairman of the Football Association and Chancellor of University of York, will be guest speaker at the awards ceremony, which is designed to recognise the achievements and contributions of the city’s sporting community.

Further information about the awards can be found by visiting the website www.activeyork.org

The dinner in the Roger Kirk Centre is open to the general public and tickets are priced at £40 per person, or £300 for a table of eight, which includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three-course meal and entry to the awards ceremony.

A drinks reception starts at 6.15pm, with the dinner and awards following at 6.45pm. To book, visit activeyork.wordpress.com, email sportandactiveleisure@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 553377 or 07554 334835.


Active School of the Year

St Wilfrid's School - A school that wholeheartedly supports the belief that every child "can have a go". Offers a range of activities alongside the traditional, including chess, Irish dancing and Zumba.

Fulford School - Competed in 230 fixtures in 11 sports last year with six teams representing York in the North Yorkshire School Games. The only school in the city to achieve a Gold Youth Sports Trust kitemark.

Archbishop Holgate's - Boast an excellent leadership academy, which has received both level 1 and 2 sports leadership awards as well as offering sports specific leadership training in football, golf, cricket and many more sports.


Coach/Volunteer of the Year

Trish Bell - A real inspiration who takes groups of runners out for an hour every Monday and Thursday evening. Aimed at beginners, Bell is described as being patient and understanding and has inspired many people to take up the sport.

Jill King - Instrumental in setting up the York Visually Impaired Tennis Club. Works tirelessly picking up and dropping off players who may not otherwise get to sessions. Designed the club website and supported players at the National Championships.

Rich Cadden - As the doyen of the Chokdee Academy, a patient coach who has the ability to inspire, encourage and get the best out of all of his students.


Disabled sportsperson of the Year

Kelly Cronin - After joining the York Visually Impaired Tennis club at the start of 2013 her hard work was rewarded when she became the first ever B1 (totally blind) national champion last October at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

Chloe Buck - Bidding to be named in her first senior international squad this year having improved all her world rankings last year. Starred at the National Open Short Course Championships and the UK School Games.

Sianagh Gallagher - Selected for the Great Britain paraclimbing team in 2013, and her form saw her secure three podium finishes in international and British competitions.