Legendary Lancashire and West Indies cricketer, Clive Lloyd CBE was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural MBNA Northern Sports Awards at The Point. Nearly 400 guests from across the world of sport and business attended the gala dinner, which was hosted by Willie Thorne.
In the public vote categories, current Lancashire and England player, James Anderson scooped Sportsman of the Year Award. Currently away with the England team, his wife Daniella accepted the award on his behalf.
“I’m delighted to have been voted Sportsman of the Year at MBNA Northern Sports Award last night,” said Anderson. “Thanks to all who voted. Feeling very proud today!”
The Sportswoman of the Year Award went to Jessica Ennis, who was unable to attend due to training commitments, however, she said: “Such an honour! Thanks to everyone who voted.”
Team of the Year was won by Manchester City Football Club, while Sports Manager/Coach of the Year went to Wigan Warriors’ Michael Maguire.
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability was won by skiier, Joe Willoughby, while Ben Stokes of Durham County Cricket Club was named Breakthrough/Newcomer of the Year.
“The evening has been a great success, the support for the event has been amazing,” stated organiser, Nick Jaspan.
“The North has so much talent from various sporting disciplines which these awards acknowledge and there have been some surprising winners! We have every confidence this event will grow and grow each year.”
A standing ovation went to Clive Lloyd as he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, by another legend, marathon-runner Dr Ron Hill MBE.
There is no other Northern awards dinner of this kind meaning that the MBNA Northern Sports Awards was genuinely unique. The only current initiative from which any sort of parallel can be drawn is the MBNA Northwest Football Awards, an event also devised and produced by publishing company How-Do, which is being held again this year on November 14th.
