Olympic champion Peter Kennaugh MBE will be the guest of honour at the Isle of Man Sports Awards on 2nd June 2021.
The annual ceremony sees the achievements of the Island’s top athletes, teams and coaches recognised in front of sports fans, with 11 awards up for grabs.
As a professional cyclist Kennaugh, 31, rode at the highest level for nine years and won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, becoming the first Manxman in 100 years to do so.
The two-time British National Road Race Champion, who retired from cycling in 2019 said:
‘It's an honour to be part of this year’s Isle of Man Sports Awards. I am really looking forward to seeing young Manx talent recognised and acknowledged for their hard work and achievements.’
The celebration of sport was to be staged at the Villa Marina in Douglas in March but was delayed due to coronavirus restrictions.
Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport, said:
‘I am delighted Peter has accepted our invitation and I am sure everyone who attends will learn from his sporting journey, and take inspiration from it.’
The shortlist for the 2020 Isle of Man Sports Awards, sponsored by Microgaming Play It Forward, was announced in February, and the event will reflect the exceptional challenges faced by many in 2020 while shining a light on sport’s unsung heroes.
Kennaugh was a recipient of Sport Aid support at the start of his sporting journey as well as a winner of the sportsman of the year title in 2012 & 2014.
During the evening the Isle of Man Sports Aid scholarships for 2021/22 will also be presented to 51 recipients. Each scholarship provides a combination of financial support towards travel and equipment plus access to services at the Isle of Man Sport Institute.