AN ISLE of Wight primary school and a number of individuals from the world of sport have been shortlisted for accolades at this year’s Energise Me Awards.

Newchurch Primary School, the only Island school to be shortlisted, were vying for the School of the Year prize at the awards ceremony, held at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, this evening.

In swimming, Zachary Lacey, was nominated for the Junior Sports Person award and Liz Bell, the Service to Sport award, while disabled diver, Matthew Davis, was in the running for the Achievement in the Face of Adversity award.

Kimberley Murray, who specialises in skeleton racing, was shortlisted to receive the Senior Sports Person prize.

John Cattle, well known on the Island for introducing the art of skateboarding to many children and young people, was hoping to win the Coach of the Year award.

The awards are a celebration of sports and physical activity across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight — recognising local sporting heroes who transform lives through grassroots activity, the tireless efforts of elite performers and, through diverse and emotive stories, how it inspires others to get up and get active.

Adam Tuck, of Newchurch Primary School, said: “It’s fantastic news. We are the only school to have been shortlisted for this from the Island and I’m extremely proud Newchurch has been considered for this award, against some extremely strong schools.

“We’ve had an exceptional couple of years and it is great our team of staff and the children are getting recognised for their efforts and achievements.

“The whole school has really bought into the benefits of sport, exercise and physical activity.

“It is also fantastic two of our inspirational class heroes, Kim Murray and Zach Lacey, were nominated.

"They have both been into our school recently to work with the children, and they have really given our kids something to aspire to.”

See next week's County Press for a full report.