Shortlists revealed for sports and junior sports personality in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale Advertiser Sports Awards

Mar 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE Advertiser can today reveal the shortlists for our Sports Personality and Junior Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

These categories, in this year’s Advertiser Sports Awards, are open to the public vote – so it will be up to you, our readers, to choose the winners.

Five extremely talented people are in with a chance of winning each award. The first nominee is Ormskirk cricketer Gavin Griffiths. The 19-year-old joined Lancashire CCC’s professional ranks this year. The fast bowler has also gained national recognition with England’s U19 side and has recently toured South Africa.

Next up is long-serving Everton star Leon Osman, who grew up in Skelmersdale. Leon’s consistent performances for his club were rewarded when he made his England debut against Sweden.

Our Olympic and Paralympic stars have also been recognised this year. Swimmer Fran Halsall and 800m runner Michael Rimmer both competed at London 2012 for Team GB.

While athlete Graeme Ballard, who has cerebral palsy, now based at Edge Hill, picked up a silver medal in the T36 100m at the Paralympic games.

The junior section is just as competitive. Teenage Olympic torch bearer Anna Hulme battled back from short bowel syndrome to make the top 11 nationally at under-15 level in the triathlon. Schoolboy biker Finley “Rossi” Beard was crowned Arenacross series champion at the age of 10, while karting sensation Ben Deeming won his first MSA race at the age of nine.

Up Holland High pupil Harry Coppell competed for the North West in the School Games at the Olympic Stadium in the pole vault. And talented archer Jack Grogan continues to impress and has represented his county.

The winners will be announced at Edge Hill University on April 19.

Scroll down for the Junior Sports Personality question.