The nomination process for the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s second Sports Parliamentarian of the Year award has now opened – so if you’ve enjoyed support from an MP or a peer in 2012, we want to hear from you.
The contest took place for the first time last year, with John Woodcock MP winning the overall title for his energetic and high-profile campaign to protect bowling greens from the threat of closure.
He was joined on the shortlist by nine of his colleagues from across the political spectrum, all having offered their support to the sector in a variety of creative and resourceful ways.
All sport and recreation clubs, governing bodies and organisations are invited to nominate a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords for consideration for this year’s award.
Once the nominations are in, the final shortlist of candidates will be considered by a formal judging panel, with the overall winner being announced at a dinner in the Palace of Westminster in December.
There will also be an opportunity for the winner to be joined at the awards event in the House of Commons by the national governing body, club and/or individual who has nominated them.
The judges will be looking for evidence of commitment, effectiveness and resourcefulness when reaching their verdict. Further information can be found in the FAQ section below.
To put forward your politician of choice, download our nomination form and return it by 5pm on Friday 7 September 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate a parliamentarian for the award?
Nominations are invited from all organisations within the sport and recreation sector in the UK.
Who is eligible for the award?
All members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords are eligible to be nominated for the award – with three exceptions:
- The Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP, and his opposition counterpart, Clive Efford MP, will not be included. While their contributions should of course be recognised, these awards aim to highlight efforts by others who have demonstrated a special commitment to promoting the advancement of sport in the UK.
- The winner of last year’s award, John Woodcock MP, will also be ineligible to ensure that a range of parliamentarians are recognised for their contribution to the sport and recreation sector.
What will the winning parliamentarian receive?
The shortlisted parliamentarians and the overall winner will be publicly recognised as having worked to promote and protect sport and recreation in 2012. The award will be presented at an event at the House of Commons in December.
How will the winner be decided?
After the closing date for nominations (7 September) a panel will convene to decide the shortlist and overall winner.
The judges will use the following criteria to arrive at their verdict:
1. Commitment of time and energy. Has the nominee devoted a significant amount of their time and energy to promoting and protecting the interests of sport and recreation (or a particular sport or recreation) relative to their other commitments?
2. Effective representation. Did the nominee make a noticeable impact on behalf of sport and recreation (or a particular sport or recreation)?
a. Has the nominee used parliamentary channels effectively? For example: Participation in debates; tabling questions; participation in an all-party group; effective contribution to select committee scrutiny; generating national media coverage.
And/or
b. Has the nominee been an effective champion in their constituency? For example: Making representations to local government; fostering support within the community; generating local media coverage.
3. Creativity and resourcefulness. Has the nominee made an extra impact by being particularly creative or resourceful? Have they gone beyond the usual methods employed by parliamentarians?
Why should I nominate a parliamentarian?
At the Sport and Recreation Alliance we recognise that sport and recreation needs champions in Parliament.
By nominating someone who has worked to protect and promote the interests of the sector you are helping to ensure that that these hardworking parliamentarians are properly acknowledged. It is also a reminder that grassroots sport needs supportive voices in Westminster.
There will also be an opportunity for the winner to be joined at the awards event in the House of Commons by the national governing body, club and/or individual who has nominated them.
How can I nominate?
The nomination form should be completed and returned before 5pm on Friday 7 September.
For more information contact Simon Butler.
