Olympic champion is awards night guest

The annual awards ceremony, which recognises dedication and commitment to sport in all its guises, will take place on Friday, March 10 at Preston Guild Hall.

An England hockey player born in Oldham, White began playing the sport at the age of seven and was one of the youngest members of Great Britain’s bronze-winning hockey team at London in 2012.

Since then she has gone on to achieve medal success with a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the pinnacle – a gold medal at the Rio Olympics last year.

White said: “I am honoured to have been asked to speak at this year’s Preston Guild Hall Sports Awards. I understand the ceremony is all about local talent and recognising those in grass roots sport who provide opportunities for local people to take part and excel in sport.”

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, added: “Nicola is a fantastic choice as Preston’s 2017 guest speaker.

“I am sure her sporting story will be one that motivates our award nominees to continue with their dedication to sport.”

There are 17 awards up for grabs in the following categories:

Coach of the year (aged 16 years plus) – Sponsored by BMW Bowker;

Club of the year – Sponsored by Surridge Sport; Young Achiever (under 21 years) – Sponsored by Millers Taxis; School of the year (Primary) – Sponsored by – Go Velo; School of the year (Secondary) Sponsor by– Wallwork, Nelson & Johnson; Volunteer of the year - Young (aged 14 – 24 years) Sponsored by – Frank Whittle Partnership Architecture; Volunteer of the year – Adult (aged 25 years plus) Sponsored by – Jigsaw Training

Higher/Further education team of the year – Sponsored by – Preston City Council; Achievement/Performance of the year – Male junior – Sponsored by – Lancashire Local; Achievement/Performance of the year – Female junior Sponsored by – McDade Roberts; Achievement/Performance of the year – Senior – Sponsored by – Shout Network; Team performance of the year – Junior team – Sponsor by – Preston North End Community and Education Trust; Team performance of the year – Senior team – Sponsored by – Skiddle.com; Service to Disability sport – Sponsored by – Preston’s College; Community organisation of the year – Sponsored by – Ambulant Physiotherapy Ltd; Special recognition/service to sport – Sponsored by – University of Central Lancashire; Lifetime achievement (doing sport for 20 years plus) Sponsored by – John Turner Construction Group;

For more information, ring Preston City Council’s Sport and Health team on 01772 906187 or e-mail [email protected].

Tickets are also available to buy online for £25 each (normal surcharges apply) at www.preston.gov.uk/sportsawardstickets Ticket sales close on Monday, March 6 2017 and are non-refundable.