As Volunteers’ Week 2017 draws to a close we are delighted to announce the regional shortlist for this year’s Vanessa Brown Volunteer Awards.

The following Sported volunteers have been nominated by their respective Regional and National Managers, and the Volunteer Services team, for their outstanding contribution to the work of the charity and supporting our members’ growth and sustainability.

•  Dave Ellis – North West

• David Sharman – East Midlands

• Gareth Coombes-Olney – South East

• Jenni Robinson – Northern Ireland

• John Timson – West Midlands

• Laurene Edgar – Scotland

• Martin Bisp – South West

• Maureen Botham – East of England

• Rachel Quirk – Yorkshire and Humber

• Ravi Vedi – Wales

• Sara Newson – North East

• Simon Penhall – Volunteer Services

• Tim Sice – London

Sandra Hillyard, Volunteer Services Manager at Sported, said: “Congratulations to all our volunteers nominated for the Vanessa Brown Volunteer Awards 2017. It’s the third year of the awards – commemorating the passing of our friend and Sported colleague, Vanessa – and such is the calibre of all our volunteers, the shortlisting process never gets any easier!

She adds: “Our volunteers are a special group of people, taking time out of their busy lives to offer support to our members. Their commitment, passion and enthusiasm, never fails to inspire and I’d like to take this opportunity to say a heart-felt thank you to everyone involved.”

The shortlisted volunteers will be invited to a special celebratory event later on in the year, when the overall winner will be announced.