Search for a sporting star (From Warrington Guardian)

Search for a sporting star

ENTRY forms are being sent to schools, colleges and sports clubs in Winsford and Middlewich as the search for the young sportsperson of 1999 gets under way.

Local youngsters are being offered the chance to win more than £10,000 in cash prizes in the awards, which are being run by the OCS Group.

The awards aim to benefit boys and girls who are seriously into sport but who are lacking the support to help them achieve their full potential.

In addition to the first prize of £1,500 and £3,000 in sponsorship, regional finalists will take home £750 each.

Schools, colleges, clubs and individuals will be able to nominate youngsters who they consider have done the most to maximise their potential in their chosen sport and who would benefit from sponsorship to help them take a vital step closer to achieving international success.

Peter Kingham, OCS Group's director of marketing, explained why the company has launched the awards scheme.

He said: "Young people, especially teenagers, come in for a lot of stick these days, but there are many out there who are well worth the support.

"We want to give them a helping hand in their chosen sports at a time when they most need it.

"We are looking for youngsters who have made the most of their opportunities and made every effort to reach their potential."

Entrants for the awards have to be under 18 on September 1 this year - and that is the only rule.

Entry forms are available from Nici Meekings, OCS Group, 44, Southside, Clapham Common, London, SW4 9BU, tel: freephone 0800 328 8621.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.