82-year-old ambassador for sports awards encourages people to get their nominations in for worthwhile event
- 2nd July 2010

An inspiring 82-year-old east Hull man who has dedicated his life to Sunday League football in the city is encouraging people to submit nominations for a pioneering sports awards initiative.

82-year-old ambassador for sports awards, Wally Owst

Wally Owst, of Bransholme, won the Diamond Award in Hull and East Yorkshire's Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards last year in recognition of his tireless devotion to Sunday football league since 1953 - and Mr Owst is still secretary of Hull and District Sunday Football league today.

Now, the man who is better known as "Mr Sunday League" locally, wants to spread the word about the awards, which recognise people's commitment and passion for all manner of sports played in the region, culminating in a glittering awards ceremony at KC Stadium in December.

The awards, in their second year, are organised by First Hull Trains and KCFM, who developed the idea to give something back to the community, after spotting a gap in terms of people's dedication to sport being recognised.

His position as Ambassador for the awards was made official in an informal ceremony recently, in which representatives from First Hull Trains and KCFM presented him with a commemorative plaque.

His role as ambassador means he will spend the run up to this year's awards encouraging the region's most dedicated and talented sporting individuals and teams to get involved in this year's awards.

He said: "I was so honoured to win the Diamond Award at last year's event. When I didn't win the category I'd actually been nominated in, I was a little disappointed but then when they announced I'd won the Diamond Award and I got a standing ovation I was so very proud. It was a magical moment.

"This year, in my position as Ambassador, I'm spreading the word about the awards and promoting local sporting heroes. There are still a few people who haven't heard about the awards so I plan to get the word out. I'm even hoping to nominate someone myself this year."

Sales and marketing manager for First Hull Trains, David Townend, said: "Wally is an inspiration in his field and we're positive that he will encourage more people just as dedicated to their sport to get involved with this year's awards.

"Last year's awards were a huge success and Wally's incredibly humble response to receiving his award after all the work he's put into Sunday League over the years only convinced us further of his suitability for this position. We're confident that he'll be an act everyone will aspire to follow."

Sponsors for the awards include: NHS Hull, Kingston Communications, The One Point, Paragon Data Services, St Stephen's, Hull City Council, Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Eltherington Group, North Point Shopping Centre and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire.

Media Information: Please do not hesitate to contact First Hull Trains' press team at Mercury. Please ring Kelly Todd or Gabrielle Meade on 01482 869553 www.mercury-marketing.co.uk