Birmingham Sports Awards 2016: Recognising a big year for sport - and the city

Mike Chamberlain, Birmingham Sports Awards 2015.Mike Chamberlain, Birmingham Sports Awards 2015.

The annual Birmingham Sports Awards will be returning for 2016 and this year will be held at the prestigious Edgbaston Cricket Ground on September 22.

Males, females, juniors, clubs and teams who have enjoyed a year of sporting success will be recognised and celebrated.

Sport Birmingham have shown their dedication to the sporting community by becoming the official headline partner of the prestigious award ceremony.

Sport Birmingham are an innovative organisation that have become an intrinsic part of shaping sport and driving participation amongst people of all ages in Birmingham to encourage healthier lifestyles.

2016 is turning into a huge year for the organisation with the launch of their Birmingham talent programme ‘Invest In The Best’ and the expansion of their successful Birmingham Business Games that promotes the benefits of physical activity.

We spoke to the CEO of Sport Birmingham, Mike Chamberlain, to find out his reasons for supporting the awards and what he believes has made Birmingham such a thriving city.

“As the strategic lead for sport for the city, the headline partner role was an obvious fit.

The awards evening is the platform for showcasing some of the great successes over the course of the year, and to recognise the commitment and dedication of people who are passionate about community sport and making a difference to people’s lives.

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“Primarily it is the friendly and passionately proud residents of Birmingham who are its biggest asset. But its opportunities for communities from all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate and enjoy the benefits that being physically active has to offer that makes it stand out from other cities.

“This includes the important role that sport has in addressing social isolation, improving educational attainment, combating crime and anti-social behaviour and driving economic growth.

Mr Chamberlain went on to discuss the sporting events he believes deserve shouting about in Birmingham.

Birmingham Sports Awards 2016Birmingham Sports Awards 2016
“The Athletics British Championships and Diamond League at the Alexander Stadium are always special events for the city, as is the top-flight cricket calendar at Edgbaston, the All England Badminton at the Barclaycard Arena , the Aegon Classic Tennis at Edgbaston Priory and the city’s series of running events including the half marathon and forthcoming marathon.

“As the sports partnership for the city, we are committed to make the most of the inspiration that events close to home can give to youngsters and adults alike.” He concludes by shedding light on how Sport Birmingham contributes to the city’s sporting community.

“We provide leadership and work collaboratively with a multitude of partners in local government, universities, colleges, schools, national governing bodies of sport, clubs, coaches and volunteers to create and develop accessible sport and physical opportunities for the communities we serve.

“Partnerships with organisations both within and outside of the sport and physical activity sector is key for us, as it supports the development of a dynamic and effective local delivery network and maximises reach into the diverse communities of the city, ensuring that resources reach those most in need.

“We have recently formed a ‘Community Sport Alliance’ to act as a brokering bureau, bringing together partners from business, public and voluntary sectors, so that third sector organisations are supported and advised in all matters that can improve their quality, safety, growth and future sustainability.”

* To nominate your sporting star now, please go to: www.birminghamsportsawards.co.uk , or join the conversation on Twitter #BIRMSA16