VOTING is now open to choose the winner of this year’s Sporting Hero category in the Place to be Proud of Awards.
A public online poll has been launched by award organisers Destination Basingstoke, after the nominations were whittled down to a final three.
Steven Connolly, centre director of Festival Place, which sponsors the award category, said: “As usual there was an extraordinary selection of sporting heroes nominated, and the finalists are just the tip of the iceberg but a fantastic representation of the wealth of talent and commitment to sport in our community – I’m glad I don’t have to choose one of them – they are all worthy winners.”
The first finalist is Kevin McAuslan-Crine, of Su-ha-ri School of Wayo-Ryu Karate.
Kevin is an international karate champion, not only has he won European gold but he trains his students to international standard too.
He is dedicated to the Su-ha-ri Karate School and has a huge respect from his students, who aspire to his achievements, as well as the whole local sporting community for his years of dedication.
The second finalist is Basingstoke mum Nikki Savings, who took on an incredible challenge to run seven marathons in seven days.
The Chineham Park Running Club member set herself the remarkable goal in 2015 to raise money for the Joshua Deeth Foundation, after being inspired by meeting a little boy from Basingstoke called Frankie O’Connor, who suffers with Pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Nikki raised £7,000 and turned her running challenge into a community event, encouraging people to join her along the way.
Dave Watton from Basingstoke Hockey Club is the third finalist.
Dave has been coaching hockey for more than 25 years in Basingstoke, giving up to 14 hours a week to training young players and bringing hockey into the lives of around 1,800 children a year through both the club and his activities to promote hockey in primary schools.
His dedication to sport over the decades have made him a well-known and loved character in the sporting community.
To vote visit destinationbasingstoke.co.uk before the deadline of May 6.
The winner will be announced at the 13th A Place to be Proud of Award ceremony on May 26, at The Haymarket Theatre.
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