TAVISTOCK Swimming Club has two representatives in the finals of the 2018 Exeter Foundation Devon Sports Awards.

The awards, which will take place on June 22 at Sandy Park, celebrate sporting contributions and achievements from community level coaching and workplace fitness right through to the next generation of elite sports performers. The main purpose of the awards is to recognise those who inspire people to participate at all levels of sport and physical activity.

Nathaniel Rookes has been nominated for the Devon young coach of the year award while Ieuan Noakes is one of three young people listed in the Devon young volunteer of the year category.

Those shortlisted include coaches, clubs, volunteers and sportspeople from right across Devon. This year they reflect a really diverse range of sports including surf lifesaving, community fitness, swimming, football and gymnastics.

‘Each year the Exeter Foundation Devon Sports Awards go from strength to strength and help to recognise the truly outstanding work that is being carried out throughout the county at all sporting levels,’ said Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman of the Exeter Foundation.

A glittering evening beckons and finalists will be presented with their trophies and certificates by Conrad Humphreys who has spent over two decades as a professional yachtsman, including three round the world races.

The expert judging panel, coordinated by Active Devon who are overseeing the awards in partnership with the Exeter Foundation and Exeter College, have carefully whittled the entries down to the final 25 individuals, teams and clubs from an extremely strong pool of nominations.

Rob Bosworth, vice principal — schools, partnerships and curriculum, Exeter College, said: ‘Exeter College is delighted to be a partner in the Devon Sports Awards and recognise the contributions made by those who inspire sports performers at all levels. We are especially pleased to be able to recognise the unsung heroes that keep sport and physical activity thriving in Devon.’

In addition to the seven main award categories and those recognising performances in community sport, the most prestigious honour is for outstanding contribution to sport in Devon.