Unsung Hero Launches 2011 Search

LONG-standing handball coach and Unsung Hero Awards nominee John Jacobson helped launch the 2011 awards in style last week – alongside sporting legend Sir Bobby Charlton!

Jacobson, chairman and coach at Liverpool Speke Garston Handball Club, was the North West’s nominee for the prestigious awards last year.

He went along to the BBC’s new headquarters in Salford last week where he was interviewed about the sport and his long career which has seen him involved in the grassroots as well as captaining Great Britain during the Olympic qualifying rounds in 1972, 1976 and the World Championships in 1980 and 1984.

One of the key awards at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event, BBC Sports Unsung Hero recognizes and rewards outstanding contribution by individuals at the grassroots level of local sport.

Full information and nomination forms can be found at bbc.co.uk/sportsunsunghero

Unsung Hero Award for Jacobson

LIVERPOOL Speke Garston handball coach John Jacobson has been nominated for the finals of the BBC Unsung Sporting Hero Award after winning through the North West regional stage.

His nomination comes after 42 years of dedicated service to handball development in the region, but he has not just been involved in coaching.

He was captain of Great Britain and played in Olympic qualifying rounds for the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, and played in the World Championships in 1976 and 1980 before moving into coaching to pass on his vast experience to new generations.

*After winning the West Cheshire and Chester Coach of the Year Award recently, Deva handball club coach Gary Kelsall has won the County award and is on a shortlist of three for the National Coach of the Year Awards later this month.