Hannah sails to young person of the year award (From Penarth Times)

Hannah sails to young person of the year award

WELSH Champion in her sport of sailing, and selected again this year for the British team, 14-year-old Hannah Mills, from Dinas Powys, has scooped another coveted title - OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year for Wales.

Hannah received her award from Ben Chapman MP, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport, at a prestigious ceremony in London.

Also attending the event were the other eight regional winners and the disabled category winner in this national competition which is now widely recognised as the most prestigious sports awards for youngsters still at school.

Each sporting star beat a field of more than 500 hopefuls to clinch their place at the awards ceremony, and a welcome cheque for £2,000.

The search for the nation's brightest young sportspeople was launched by leading property support services company OCS five years ago to recognise and support sporting potential and achievement.

Entry forms are sent by OCS to every school in the country to fine the nine regional winners plus a winner for the disabled youngster's award.

Hannah's nomination by Howell's School, Llandaff, highlighted her remarkable achievements as Welsh Young Sailor of the Year and British team member in the World Optimist Championships.

Hannah was also commended for her overall contribution to British Youth sailing, her dedication to the sport, her all-round athletic prowess and her competitive spirit.

"The choice of the judges to award Hannah the title of Welsh OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year 2002, recognises her significant sailing achievements, her contribution to the sport at national and international levels, and her ability to combine her school and sporting life", said competition judge and OCS Director of Marketing, Peter Kingham.

As with all the regional winners in this competition, Hannah has had to balance her long hours of training and travelling with her educational studies.

"This year's entry was distinguished by the way our sports stars of the future have managed to maintain their educational standards as well", added Mr Kingham.