SPORTSMEN and women are practicing their acceptance speeches in preparation for the Cumbria Sport Awards.

The ceremony will take place at the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel tomorrow, Friday, November 28.

It is an annual event hosted by Active Cumbria to recognise the outstanding talents, commitment and successes of teams and individuals throughout Cumbria who are involved in sport.

The categories include Junior Sports Personality of the Year, Junior Team of the Year and Rising Star.

These are aimed at showcasing the depth of quality in youth sports around the region.

One of the finalists hotly tipped for success is Daniel Armstrong.

The 14 year old has been selected as a finalist following his achievements in water polo.

Despite only taking up the sport in October 2013, Daniel has won a coveted place in the Great Britain Water Polo National Talent Programme.

He is now part of the Great Britain under 15 squad which aims to qualify for the Junior Men’s European Championships in 2017.

Speaking of his success, Daniel said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity. I really enjoy competitive swimming and water polo and there is always a great team spirit in the latter. Being asked to go to the Great Britain water polo trials was an exciting experience in itself and I was ecstatic to find I’d been selected for the squad. I train a lot but I don’t mind that in the slightest as the challenge is something I really enjoy and thrive on.The coaches are great and I’m learning plenty of new skills.”

Other categories, aimed at adults, include Community Club or Group of the Year, which will be awarded to the club or group that is providing exceptional sporting opportunities for their local community.