John Woodcock MP was named winner of the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Sport Parliamentarian of the Year Award 2011.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at the House of Commons yesterday evening (Wednesday 14 December), which celebrated the past year’s political achievements in sport.
Nominated by governing body Bowls England, John Woodcock impressed the judges with his energetic and high profile campaign to ‘Protect Our Bowling Greens’.
Lord Addington, chair of the awarding panel, said of John’s campaign: “John pulled all the parliamentary levers in his pursuit of better protection for a sport which really is at the heart of many communities, including the tabling of a Private Members’ Bill, an Early Day Motion and Parliamentary Questions.
The game of bowls on College Green that John organised was a memorable highlight to an effective and high-profile campaign which was clearly appreciated by bowlers both within his constituency and elsewhere and – importantly – which also caught the attention of the Government.”
Tony Allcock MBE, Chief Executive of Bowls England, said: “We are delighted that John has received this award and it is due recognition for his efforts to support us, our clubs and our sport over the last year. His campaign provided a real boost to the many clubs across the country faced with the threat of closure, and his efforts have maintained the pressure on local MPs and Government to recognise those concerns. However, there is still much to do and we will continue to offer all support possible to those clubs who may be faced with higher costs, development or closure due to the current economic climate.”
Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart OBE, who was a member of the awarding panel said: “John Woodcock ran a fine campaign to protect bowling greens, but all the candidates should be congratulated for the work they’ve done. It is really encouraging to hear the different ways in which our politicians have lent support their local clubs and to the governing bodies of sport. It is right that we have a chance to recognise their contribution, and in this respect the Sports Parliamentarian of the Year Award is a very welcome initiative.”
The panel had high praise for the other nine Parliamentarians shortlisted for the award, including Greg Mulholland, for his long-term commitment to rugby league, and Huw Irranca-Davies for the successful sporting event he hosted on Speaker’s Green in conjunction with Archery GB.
Andy Reed, chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said: “This is the first time we have hosted the award and I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the contribution of the ten nominees. They have set a great example to their colleagues in Westminster and our members are extremely grateful for their efforts.”
Click here to read the judges' verdict in full.
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