Don named as runner-up in the 2011 Sports Parliamentarian of the Year Awards

Don was today named as a runner-up in the Sports Parliamentarian of the Year Awards following a joint nomination from the West of England Sport Trust (Wesport) and the British Paralympic Association.

Don was instrumental in establishing ‘Team West of England’, a group which under his chairmanship has worked to achieve a regional legacy from the 2012 Games. Don’s efforts have also helped ensure that the University of Bath was chosen to host the ‘preparation camp’ for ParalympicsGB ahead of London 2012. Don’s knowledge and experience of the sector at a national level were also highlighted, as was his championing of equality of access to sport

Steve Nelson, Chief Executive of Wesport, said: “Don has an infectious enthusiasm for sport and on numerous occasions been the catalyst for achieving consensus among his political allies and rivals about the direction of travel for community sport, cultural activities and on London 2012.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, said: “Don continues to be an active and passionate advocate of Paralympic sport, and has built strong cross-party links with the BPA and other Paralympic organisations at both national and local level.”

At the awards dinner on 14 December the judges’ announced that that John Woodcock MP had been selected as the first ever Sports Parliamentarian of the Year for his efforts in the protection of bowling.

Commenting, judge Lord Addington stated:

“John pulled all the Parliamentary levers in his pursuit of better protection for a sport which really is at the heart of many communities”

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