THIS week we launch the Disability Award for the Ely Standard Sport Awards 2008 and tell you how to enter or nominate someone for this award. Award Category: Disability Award. Sponsor – The Shoe Tree. Criteria: Achievement throughout th

THIS week we launch the Disability Award for the Ely Standard Sport Awards 2008 and tell you how to enter or nominate someone for this award.

Award Category: Disability Award. Sponsor - The Shoe Tree.

Criteria: Achievement throughout the year, plus overall performance and commitment and determination to overcome disability. Excellence in disabled sport.

A word from our sponsor.

"The Shoe Tree is Ely's only shoe shop that specialises in children's footwear. It stocks 22 of the world's leading brands; everything from first walker to school and wellington boots. We pride ourselves on being able to offer the best possible choice of styles and colours available each season and because The Shoe Tree stocks a variety of continental manufacturers too, problems with width fittings are virtually eradicated. There is something for every child at the Shoe Tree and that includes children with special needs.

I have first-hand experience of the difficulties in finding sympathetic and experienced shops that can deal with children with disabilities. My own son wears orthotic supports and has walking difficulties. For years I struggled to find suitable footwear, and also someone who knew what they were doing. I have worked hard to gain the knowledge and develop the expertise required to provide a service that is second to none for special needs children.

The Shoe tree is sponsoring this particular award because it is vital that disabled sports are recognised and rewarded on an equal footing with the able bodied. My son, despite his disability, regularly takes part in a number of sports including gymnastics, swimming and skiing. Adaptations can be made to most sports, as the recent Paralympics Games showed, and this award is to recognise and highlight the achievements of those who participate to the best of their ability. This award is open to anyone with a disability of any description, including behavioural difficulties or any type of physical or learning impairment."

Hazel Morrison.

How to enter for the Disability Award.

You will find the entry forms on our website at: www.elystandard24.co.uk, click on the section with the Ely Standard Sports Awards 2008 logo on it. If you do not have a computer, entry forms are available from our reception at 38 Market Street, Ely or telephone 01353 667831.

All entries need to reach us by October 31.

Categories

Sports Personality of the Year; Club of the Year; Service to Sport; Unsung Hero; Youth Achievement (girls); Youth Achievement (boys) Veteran Achievement; The Liam Fairhurst Award for Sporting Endeavour; Adult Achievement (men); Adult Achievement (men) School of the Year; Disability Award.