The shortlist for the 2015 Isle of Man Sports Awards, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank, has been announced today. The event takes place on Wednesday 23rd March 2016 at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina.

The Sportsman of the Year Award will again be a hotly contested affair. Cyclists Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh, both previous winners of the award, will be looking to add to their trophy cabinets as they are shortlisted again. European under-21 snooker champion Darryl Hill and shooting’s world championship medallist Tim Kneale are joined by the Enduro trio of Daniel McCanney, Jamie McCanney and David Knight in the battle for the 2015 title.

The Sportswoman of the Year Award sees athletics well represented, with Sarah Astin, Rachael Franklin and Catherine Reid all shortlisted for the top female award. Equestrian’s Yasmin Ingham will be hoping she can add to her 2013 Sportswoman award, but also faces competition from archer Aalin George and swimmer Charlotte Atkinson, both previous winners in the Under-21 Sportswomen category.

Other categories that will be contested on the night are Under-21 Sportsman, Under-21 Sportswoman, Team, Coach, Sports Administrator, Isle of Man Ambassador, Veteran Sportsperson and Disability Sportsperson. The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, often one of the most emotional parts of the evening, is selected by the Sports Awards committee and there is no shortlist for this category.

Gary Corkhill, Isle of Man Sport’s Executive Chairman, commented: ‘The public have been sending in their nominations since late December and have once again provided our awards committee with a difficult decision when shortlisting.

‘The Sports Awards celebrate the Island’s sporting success and all of this year’s nominees are an inspiration to those within their respective sports. The awards recognise the Island’s high-level performers and highlight their success on the world stage.’

The event also includes the presentation of the 2015 Sure Sports Leader of the Year award and Sports Aid scholarships to athletes who will be supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid in 2016/2017.

Guest of honour at the awards is former Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Audley Harrison.

The event starts at 8.15pm. Tickets are available to book online via the Villa Gaiety box office www.villagaiety.com 

Photo - 2014 Sportsman of Year Peter Kennaugh.