ANOTHER year of fantastic sporting achievements is drawing to a close and it is time for our readers to cast their votes to crown the Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa Advertiser Sports Personality of the Year 2008.
Throughout November, we invited your nominations to help us select our final shortlist of five local sports personalities.
The deadline for nominations has now closed and after much deliberation, our five candidates have been chosen.
Among the contenders is Great Britain cyclist Jess Varnish.
The teenage sensation, who was narrowly pipped to last year’s gong, enjoyed another whirlwind 12 months, starting with a call-up to the senior Great Britain squad for the World Track Championships in Manchester followed by more medals at the European Junior Championships and her first senior international gold in the Team Sprint at the recent World Track Cup.
Bromsgrove cricket captain Mark Evenson makes the list after guiding his team to promotion to the Birmingham and District Premier Division.
Evenson and his side held their nerve in a tense final few weeks of the season to clinch second spot in Division One.
A dual contribution makes Duncan Roke a contender for this year’s award.
Not only did he score crucial runs for Bromsgrove’s cricket team in their promotion quest, Roke was pivotal in Bromsgrove rugby club avoiding the drop from Midlands Two West last season, and has helped them surge towards the top of the table in the current campaign.
Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club’s hottest prospect Charles Delve has enjoyed a successful year at national and international level.
Delve won both the Great Britain light-heavyweight and England under-19 titles, as well as receiving call-ups to the Young England squad.
Our final candidate is Bromsgrove firefighter Phil Blacker for his achievements in cycling.
The 37-year-old secured two gold medals at the World Firefighter Games in August and then added a National Mountain Bike title to his list of honours.
Unfortunately, whittling down the candidates to five meant there were plenty of notable ommisions.
Special mentions must go to Bromsgrove Rovers’ president Charlie Poole, Rubery boxer Mark Regen and Westbury Celtic junior football manager Steve Charlwood, who all received nominations but didn’t quite make the final shortlist.
Voting for this year’s award is now open and will run until midday on January 5.
To view pictures of this year's contenders click here.
Cast your vote below.
One vote per reader is allowed - multiple votes will be discounted.
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