On Your Marks, Get Set, Go... For The Hantsweb Awards
The race is on to find Hampshire’s best websites with the launch of the Hantsweb Awards 2008.
This year, for the first time, Best Sport Website is among the list of 12 nomination categories, to encourage local teams, clubs and societies to take part in the 2008 competition.
Best Silver Surfer Website also debuts this year, encouraging entries that meet the needs of older people.
The Hantsweb Awards, which are now in their sixth year, recognise and reward the best websites from organisations based across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Anyone can nominate and the awards are open to almost everyone, from businesses and schools to special interest and voluntary groups. The one thing they must have in common is an excellent website, one that is simple to use and delivers exactly what the user is looking for.
In celebration of the new sport category, the running track at Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre was the venue for the launch of this year’s Hantsweb Awards on Monday 2 June 2008, where Hampshire’s Olympic runner and 400 metre British record holder, Iwan Thomas MBE and Hampshire County Council’s IT Champion, Councillor Rod Baulk were put through their paces alongside local young people, including members of the Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme.
(Front L-R: Hampshire County Council’s IT Champion, Cllr Rod Baulk, Olympic athlete Iwan Thomas and local young people, including members of the Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme.)
Cllr Rod Baulk, said: “Nowadays, the internet plays such a key role in our lives. From going online to do weekly grocery shopping, accessing information about vital services or keeping up to date with our favourite teams, interests or pastimes, good quality websites are vital to ensuring this technology remains easily accessible and simple to navigate for everyone.
“The Hantsweb Awards are a great way of encouraging best practise examples and celebrating those websites that are leading the way in their field and delivering the goods.”
Iwan said: “I am very pleased to be involved in the launch of this year’s Hantsweb Awards as the internet allows the message about the positive benefits of sport and exercise for a healthy lifestyle to reach a huge variety of people, from all walks of life.
“The addition of the new Best Sport Website category for 2008 is a great way to encourage more clubs and groups to showcase what they have to offer in our local communities and the positive difference they can make to people's fitness and wellbeing.”
The launch event marks the beginning of the nomination period for the awards. Individuals can nominate their own and other people’s websites. Read details on all 12 categories and how to make a nomination.
The Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme is run by Sport Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Hampshire County Council sponsors up to 280 athletes through the Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme, offering them financial support to help cover the costs of things like travel, equipment, training and coaching. By easing the burden of possible financial constraints, Hampshire’s most talented athletes can concentrate on realising their full potential and compete in their sports at the highest level.
Issued by: Suzie Southgate, Media Communications Officer, on 01962 847367
03 June 2008