SPAR has announced the winner of its Outstanding Athlete of the Year for 2011 as part of the SPAR Stars programme in partnership with UK Athletics.
Sprint hurdler Andrew Pozzi was crowned the winner at the annual UK Athletics dinner on November 26th, in front of an audience his fellow SPAR Stars athletes.
He was awarded the accolade after a fantastic year, during which he won the European Junior Silver medal and continued his return from serious injury to re-establish himself amongst the best hurdlers in the country.
Pozzi has recorded a British Under 20 record and came 3rd in the European All-Time junior list over 99cm barrier and is now ranked top in the Under 20s and 5th senior in the UK. He will also receive £1,000 from SPAR which will help the athlete as he continues to train and compete in 2012.
Andrew Pozzi said: “I’m absolutely chuffed with my performance this year and really pleased to be part of the SPAR Stars programme with all the help it has given me.”
SPAR UK Marketing Manager Rebecca Whitmore said: “Each year we recognise the achievements and progress of ten athletes who are hand-picked for their talent by UK Athletics, by inviting them to become SPAR Stars and part of the SPAR Sprints Programme.
“Andrew thoroughly deserves the award, and we wish him the best of luck as he goes on to compete at Senior level next year with the Indoor season and the all important summer Outdoor Athletes season,” she said.
UKA Strategic Head of Coaching & Development Kevin Tyler said: “We're delighted about SPAR's ongoing support for our young athletes.
“The partnership is a perfect fit for our athletes who will benefit enormously from SPAR's continued sponsorship and support, allowing them to achieve their performance goals and reach their potential to deliver global medals for Britain in the future.”
SPAR has been principle sponsor of the European Athletics Association since 1996 and a sponsor of UK Athletics since 2004 and recently extended the partnership until 2013.
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