Jessica Ennis named "Most Inspirational Sportswoman of the Year" at Jaguar Academy of Sport Awards

• Bradley Wiggins, David Weir and Lord Coe also earn recognition at 2012 Jaguar Academy of Sport Awards
• Young talented athletes receive Special Recognition Awards
• Prestigious ceremony attended by British sporting greats including Sir Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis and Sir Ian Botham

London, 02 December 2012.Olympic gold medal winning heptathlete and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador Jessica Ennis has been named 'Most Inspirational Sportswoman of the Year' at the 2012 Jaguar Academy of Sport Awards. The event, hosted by David Walliams and Kirsty Gallacher at The Savoy, celebrated some of the most inspirational British sporting performances over the past year.

Jessica Ennis said:"I've had such a great evening and to win this award is fantastic. A lot of hard work went into winning that gold medal and I hope I have inspired people to not only continue in sport but seek new challenges."

Fellow London 2012 gold medalist, and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins picked up the award for 'Most Inspirational Sportsman of the Year'. Wiggins said: "I'm delighted to win this award.  This year has been a really great one with some amazing successes and it's great to be recognised for that by Jaguar."

Both Wiggins and Ennis, now household names in Britain, are also on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist, with the winner being announced later this month.

The esteemed Jaguar Academy of Sport Patrons Award for Sporting Legacy went to Lord Coe whose instrumental role over the past seven years culminated in 2012 as he brought the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the capital. 

Team Skycapped off their Tour de France winning year by being awarded the 'British Sporting Performance of the Year' for their outstanding achievements and results throughout 2012.

Dave Brailsford, General Manager, Team Sky and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador commented:"Tonight has been great and it was an honour to collect the Best British Sporting Performance of the Year award on behalf of Team Sky. The Team has had a great 2012 and there are so many people that work so hard to get us where we are today."

Four-time London 2012 gold medalist David Weir was awarded 'Best British Sporting Performance for an athlete with a Disability.'

Mo Farah won the prestigious 'Jump off the Sofa Moment' award for his emphatic 5,000 win at the Olympic Games on what was dubbed Super Saturday.

The Jaguar Academy of Sport recognises, celebrates and inspires the very best of British sporting talent and five of this year's 50 Rising Stars were acknowledged with the Jaguar Academy of Sport Special Recognition Award 2012. These awards went to Jack Walker, Joshua Ward-Hibbert, Samuel Ibboston, Sophie Pyatt and William Deary who have all excelled in their chosen sports this year. This award has previously been won by taekwondo Olympic gold medalist Jade Jones who is now an Elite Member of the Academy.

Jade Jones, 2010 Star of the Future commented:"It's great being back at the Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards but this time as an Elite Member. Back in 2010, when I won a Special Recognition Award, I had Olympic gold in sight but to win it just two years on has been incredible. The Academy really supported me on my journey to gold and provided lots of support and advice. I congratulate all the Rising Stars and look forward to watching them compete in the future."

Jack Walker Jaguar Academy of Sport Special Recognition Award Winner commented:"I can't believe I've won the top award this year out of 50 amazing Rising Stars. The programme has been fantastic and I've had opportunities I'll never forget like a masterclass with Jonny Wilkinson. I can't wait to make use of the one-to-one mentoring and continue on my journey to the top."

Geoff Cousins Jaguar's Global Director of Sponsorship commented:"The Jaguar Academy of Sport really does celebrate British sporting talent and to see the winners this evening has been a real privilege. This has been one of the most significant and successful years in the history of sport in Great Britain, and I am proud that through the Academy, Jaguar is able to invest in our sporting talent of the future."

(ENDS)

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Overview: Jaguar Academy of Sport

The Jaguar Academy of Sport aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. This is fulfilled through a Bursary Fund and a unique Mentoring and Education Programme (MEP) delivered by Kelly Holmes Education. The programme is an integral part of the Academy's success and provides the Rising Stars with invaluable non-financial support to enhance their overall development and learning, helping them on their journey to fulfilling their sporting dreams. Rising Stars work with the Academy's Patrons and Ambassadors through tailored Workshops and Talent Days, which are delivered by experts in their fields.

This support the Jaguar Academy of Sport has provided has made a tangible difference to the Rising Stars development pathway, with 33% of the 2010 Rising Stars and 30% of 2011 Rising Stars moving on to Talent Development Pathway Funding.

The Jaguar Academy of Sport has received a highly commended status from the Marketing Society Awards 2012 for the work it is doing to support the next generation of British sporting talent.