By Costelloracing.com
October 22 2005

19th October 2005: The BBC Sports Awards have been established in the sporting calendar for some time, and the evening was a night to recognise both local and national heroes alike, and celebrate fantastic sporting achievements from the local volunteer to the International sporting star.

The main award was left until the end of the evening, and it was a very surprised Maria Costello who was announced as the very first Northamptonshire Sports Personality of the Year. Maria’s name will be the first to be engraved on the large trophy, a huge shield, which she was presented with on stage.

An online vote was put to the public and the nominees included World Cup winner and Saints hooker, Steve Thompson MBE; Shaun Murphy, who made history when he became the first qualifier to win the Embassy World Title as the lowest ranked player; Peter Ebdon, another snooker player with six ranking titles; Usmann Afzaal, the County Cricket ‘Player of the Year’ and club’s most prolific batsman, scoring four centuries in as many games; Sally Kelly, who rowed with her mother across the Atlantic and who is preparing to do it again as the captain of a bright pink boat for Rowgirls; and Catlin McClathcey, a World Championship bronze medallist in the 2005 400m freestyle event - and her team finished in fourth at Athens in the freestyle relay.

The public could vote right up to the evening of the awards to add to the suspense of the outcome, as no one knew until the votes were finally counted - revealing Maria Costello as the overall winner with a majority of 35%. Steve Thompson MBE came second with 28%, and they will both go through to the regional final in December.

“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name out as the winner - my family who were sat with me jumped up as my name was read out. I thought the Saints player Steve Thompson would win, especially with the huge club behind him, so the thought of even more people voting for me made it a very special award. I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to vote - you made it happen, so thank you to you all - my family, friends and fans!” said a smiling Costello.

Maria is now looking forward to the forthcoming BBC East Midlands Sports Awards, which will be held at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on the 5th December. Her Bering Honda CBR600RR race bike will also be attending, and will be on display at the entrance to the hall.