2021 Sports Awards to have live audience

An annual occasion to celebrate the achievements of Island athletes will take place in front of a live audience next year.

The 2021 Isle of Man Sports Awards will take place at the Villa Marina in Douglas on March 25 - it comes after the 2020 occasions was held online due to lockdown restrictions in place at the time.

Nominations for the 11 categories, including sportsman and sportswoman of the year, have now opened, with people encouraged to put forward names and details of their achievements by January 29, 2021.

Meanwhile, the Under-21 categories will be combined and a new award in honour of Leonie Cooil will celebrate an individual or individuals who have demonstrated resilience, courage to others within Manx sport.

Executive Chairman of Isle of Man Sport, Sarah Corlett, says: "It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Island’s sporting community to come together and celebrate the inspirational stories of the past year, especially with the countless hurdles overcome by so many.

"I want to thank Microgaming PlayItForward for extending their sponsorship, as without local businesses and organisations providing support, sport on our Island would not be in the fortunate position it is."

Nominations can be done via the Isle of Man Sport website.