It was a hugely successful night for Leeds Rhinos Foundation at the 2019 Leeds Sports Awards, as sport at all levels across Leeds was celebrated with a glittering ceremony at the first direct Arena.The 16th edition of the annual awards event celebrated the city’s sporting achievements and contributions from throughout the past year- ranging from grassroots, professional clubs and athletes, right through to coaches, administrators and volunteers.
Following a historic year for the charity, James Simpson – a member of the Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League team – was named Disability Sportsman of the Year. He was part of the Rhinos side who stunned favourites Halifax in the Grand Final last September, with teammate and Grand Final try-scorer, Jodie Boyd-Ward, crowned Disability Sportswoman of the Year.
Nathan Collins was also part of that success- while additionally starring for the Leeds Rhinos Physical Disability Rugby League team- and took home the award for Young Disability Sportsman of the Year.
Meanwhile, Leeds Rhinos Women’s captain, Lois Forsell, was named Sportswoman of the Year after she successfully led the side to victory in the Challenge Cup, a game in which she scored the winning try and was named Player of the Match. The England international has also been a crucial part of the Rhinos’ League campaign, helping them to secure the League Leaders’ Shield after topping the table.
Alongside her role with Leeds Rhinos Women, Forsell is the Women and Girls Development Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation and said she was also proud to see Corpus Christi, a school she has worked with for many years, win the Young Team of the Year after becoming the first team from Leeds to win the RFL’s Champion Schools Final.
“I am so proud of the players and staff from Corpus Christi and it was wonderful for them to be recognised for their amazing year,” said Forsell.
“They have some very talented players who work really hard and I am sure they will go onto have even more success! Women’s Rugby League is thriving in Leeds and I am sure there will be a few more female rugby players from the city will go onto follow in my footsteps and win the Sportswoman of the Year award!”
Ambassador clubs Guiseley Rangers u12s and Hunslet Club Parkside received Highly Commended honours, with Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Active Beyond Cancer programme- in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research- also receiving the Highly Commended prize for the Leeds Cares Award.
Hosted by well-renowned BBC Sports reporter Tanya Arnold, this year’s event proved to be the best yet, as a record crowd of more than 800 people joined the celebrations.
“It was a fantastic night celebrating the incredible sporting talent across Leeds,” said Peter Smith, Chair of Sport Leeds. “I’d like to congratulate all the winners; the highly commended finalists; and the finalists – their achievements during 2018 were outstanding.
“I’d also like to thank Banana Kick who led the event on our behalf and all our sponsors and partners for their contribution to making the 2019 Leeds Sports Awards the outstanding event it is.”
For a full list of award winners, visit www.leedssportsawards.co.uk.