The hosts have been announced for this year’s Isle of Wight Sports Awards, to be held at Medina Theatre next month. Island journalist Lucy Morgan has presented the awards over the last few years alongside Cowes-based Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson. But this year, with Shirley unavailable, Lucy will be joined by ITN political correspondent and news presenter, Romilly Weeks. Romilly has strong Island connections and grew up taking advantage of the sporting opportunities on the Isle of Wight. She learned to swim at West Wight pool, to ride with the Isle of Wight Pony Club and to sail in Yarmouth. Romilly said:
“The swimming instruction was so good that I managed to front crawl my way across the Solent a few years ago. “My children, nephews and nieces were all taught by the legendary Shirley Miles at West Wight too. “My daughter now competes on the Vectis Riding Club team and my son plays tennis at Ryde whenever he can.“
Romilly added:
“As the parent of a child who wants to make tennis his career, I know how much dedication and hard work it takes to achieve anything in sport. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the success of all the Island’s brilliant athletes with these awards.”
Claire Beasley, chair of the IW Sports Foundation, which organises the awards, said the quality of the 90+ nominations this year was as high as ever. Claire said:
“We are looking forward to a tremendous evening on March 21 and to have these fabulous professionals hosting the event makes it even more special.”
