My Sport, My Voice! Ambassador And UKSA GB Team Manager Nominated for Inaugural Inas Awards

My Sport, My Voice! Ambassador, Bethany Firth and UKSA’s former GB Team Manager and Head Coach, Paul Burns have been nominated for awards at the inaugural Inas Awards.

The prestigious awards, which take place in Sheffield next month, recognise the outstanding achievements of para-athletes with an intellectual disability and those who work tirelessly to support them.

Bethany, who won gold in the 100m Backstroke at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, has been shortlisted for the Best Female Athlete award, whilst Paul has been nominated for the Unsung Hero award after dedicating years of service to the UKSA GB Athletics Team.

The nomination completes a fantastic couple of weeks for Bethany as she was also recently unveiled as an Ambassador for UKSA’sMy Sport, My Voice! programme. The programme is raising the profile of the UK’s elite athletes with learning disability by providing a platform to showcase their sporting achievements and inspire others to succeed.

Paul has been nominated for the award which recognises the ‘unique contribution of volunteers and coaches’. He coached and managed the UKSA GB Athletics Team for many years before stepping down last year to spend more time with his family.

He led the organisation of both the 2008 Inas European Track and Field Championships and in 2012 the World Indoors, hosted in the UK. He inspired many athletes throughout the years, leading multiple teams and athletes to medals at all different levels.

The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on 11 April at Sheffield’s Hilton Hotel. Inas will also induct its first member to its Hall of Fame, recognising the inductee’s lifetime achievement in sport for athletes with an intellectual disability.

For more information about the awards and nominees visit the Inas website.