Isle of Man Sport is pleased to announce that Jo Pavey, Commonwealth Games and European Championship medallist, will be the guest of honour at the 2014 Isle of Man Sports Awards.
 
The awards evening, which is sponsored by the Isle of Man Bank, will be held on Thursday 26th March at the Villa Marina. It is a major highlight in the sporting calendar and brings together the Island’s sportsmen and women to celebrate their success during 2014.
 
Jo’s rise to prominence last summer was one of the feel-good sporting stories of 2014. The Devon-based athlete returned to the track just months after the birth of her second child to win a medal in the 5000m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and then followed this up 10 days later by winning the European Championships over 10,000m, beating athletes half her age in the process.
 
In reality, 20 years’ hard work led to Jo becoming an overnight sensation. A former English Schools Champion and international athlete since 1997, Jo has competed in four Olympic Games, four World Championships and three Commonwealth Games and now has her eye on competing in the Olympics in Rio next year.
 
Her 2014 success brought with it a host of accolades and awards including British Athletics Athlete of the Year and Sport England Pride of Sport Inspirational Performance Award. The public recognised Jo’s achievements by her placing third in the prestigious BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year Award.
 
Jo said: ‘I’m thrilled to be attending the Isle of Man Sports Awards. I am really looking forward to meeting many of the Island’s sportsmen and women and it will be fantastic to be able to celebrate their success and recognise their achievements. It will also be the first time I've visited the Isle of Man so I’m very much looking forward to that, too.’
 
Gary Corkhill, Executive Chairman of Isle of Man Sport, commented: ‘We are delighted that Jo is going to be taking time out of her busy schedule to join us for our Sports Awards. Her successes last year made such a big impression on so many people.
 
‘Jo is well known for her down to earth manner and I am sure that she will make a very engaging and inspirational guest. Once again, thanks are due to our long-term sponsors, Isle of Man Bank, for assisting us in bringing Jo over for the evening.’