Ellie Simmonds, a first-time Paralympic swimming champion will be the guest of honor at the 2017 Isle of Man Sports Awards sponsored by Microgaming Play It Forward this spring.
Ellie was the youngest winner of the 2008 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year as well as the youngest ever to receive an MBE when awarded the honor in 2009 for services to Paralympic Sport. She was also elevated to OBE in 2013.
Commenting on the Awards, Ellie said that she is absolutely thrilled to have been invited to attend the Isle of Man Sports Awards and that she has always wanted to visit the Isle of Man.
Ellie will attend the Isle of Man Sports Awards on Thursday, 1st Mary 2018 at the Villa Marina to celebrate the success of sports men and women at all levels in 2017.
Gary Corkhill, the Executive Chairman of Isle of Man Sport revealed that Ellie is an icon of British Sport and a true inspiration to all of them, having competed at the very top of her chosen sport.
Corkhill added that they are very excited that she is able to be with them on their special night, helping them celebrate the fantastic achievements of their Islands’ sportsmen and women.
There are accolades for an outstanding coach, team, veteran sportsperson, IOM ambassador, sports administrator and under-21 achievers alongside the Sportsman, Sportswoman and Disability Sportsperson of the Year.
Microgaming Play It Forward is the event’s new sponsor and will present the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on the evening.