A GYMNAST from Bournemouth was named a Young Sportsperson of the Year at an awards ceremony in London.

Oliver Simonot, a 12-year-old trampolinist, was congratulated by BBC Sport commentator and former international gymnast Gabby Logan, who hosted the awards organised by Outsourced Client Solutions in partnership with the charity SportsAid.

Oliver, who was signed up for coaching at the age of three, trains six days a week at the gym. Formerly an elite athlete, Oliver has had to rehabilitate following a serious trampolining accident.
The award will help fund on-going specialist physiotherapy on his knee.

Tim Lawler, chief executive of SportsAid, said: “The passion and dedication needed to develop sporting excellence is like no other. The OCS Young Sportsperson Awards provides a very important contribution to young sports people’s futures and to the future of British sport as a whole.”

Since the awards began in 1998, OCS has made sports bursaries of almost £600,000 to over 249 deserving young people.

Chris Cracknell, CEO of OCS Group International, added: “In 2012 it was a very special year as we saw 14 former YSP winners represent Great Britain at the Olympics and Paralympics.

“In 2015 we celebrate our 18th year of awards –supporting tomorrow’s future sports stars.”