The prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards are commencing the search for their 2024 Unsung Hero. This award honours local heroes who make significant contributions to grassroots sports and physical activity.
As the awards return to Salford this December, excitement mounts for a night celebrating remarkable sporting achievements from the past year. An integral part of the event is recognising individuals who go above and beyond in their communities.
Recognising Local Heroes
The Unsung Hero award is an essential facet of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year celebrations. It acknowledges the tireless efforts of those who support grassroots sports and physical activities within their local communities. This recognition forms one of the eight prestigious awards presented during the event.
Dame Laura Kenny Leads the Campaign
This year, Dame Laura Kenny, Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, will serve as the ambassador for the Unsung Hero award. Her dedication highlights the importance of honouring those who significantly impact their community sports programs.
There will be 15 Unsung Heroes chosen, one from each BBC nation and region. A panel of industry experts will then select one overall winner, who will be announced live at the ceremony. This distinction aims to celebrate and elevate the contributions of these exceptional individuals.
Nomination Criteria
Nominees must be aged 16 or older and actively involved in a sports or physical activity club in any capacity, from coaching to making coffee.
They must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their local community by encouraging others to participate in sports. Nominations are open until midnight on Wednesday, 30 October.
Inspiring Stories
Desmond Smith, the 2023 overall winner, exemplifies the spirit of the Unsung Hero award. After emigrating from the Caribbean in the 1960s, he founded the Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club in 1986, providing a haven for young athletes.
The club features multiple cricket, football, netball, and hockey teams. Winning the award has enabled Smith to secure essential funding for a new clubhouse pavilion.
Dame Laura Kenny reflected on her own experience, stating, ‘I was eight when I joined Welwyn Wheelers, my local cycling club. If it wasn’t for the dedicated people that ran it, I might not have achieved everything I have in the sport.’
Behind Every Champion
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, emphasises the significant roles played by these heroes. ‘Behind every champion, medallist, or record holder are the incredible individuals who have spotted them, helped them, driven them, consoled them, and made them believe.’
Changes in Production
For the first time, this year’s event will be produced by Whisper North, a Northern arm of the sports specialist broadcaster. Whisper North secured the contract after BBC Sport Productions, the in-house team, chose not to compete in this round.
Whisper North, founded by Sunil Patel, Jake Humphrey, and David Coulthard, brings a fresh perspective to the highly anticipated event.
Further Information
More details about the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 will be available as the event approaches.
The Unsung Hero award plays a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of individuals dedicated to grassroots sports and physical activities in their communities.
As the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards draw near, the search for these extraordinary figures is a reminder of the importance of recognising and celebrating quiet champions.