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Whilst Guernsey's Maya Le Tissier scooped the top award at last night's Channel Islands Sports Awards, it was Jersey's Charlie Tostevin - described as having "football running through his veins" - who stole the hearts of the crowd as he was crowned Sporting Hero.
Charlie took home the Michael Lucas Sporting Hero award at last night's annual Channel Islands Sports Awards held at the Royal Jersey Showground, which saw Jersey sportspeople also sweep up Coach of the Year and the Judges’ Award.
The Michael Lucas Sporting Hero award is given to those whose contribution goes beyond what happens in the sporting arena, and Charlie has done just that.
As Honorary Life President of the Jersey Football Association and former secretary and president, he has been involved in local football for over 50 years.
David Kennedy, CEO of the Jersey FA, hailed Charlie as "Jersey Football's encyclopaedia" whilst his contribution to the sport was described as "unequalled" by Paul Daniel, President of the Jersey Referees' Association.
Pictured: Charlie said he was "over the moon" as he received the award last night.
It was Charlie who came up with the idea to punish descent at free kick situations by moving the ball 10 yards forward, towards the goal. His idea became so popular that it was later adopted by FIFA.
Two years ago, Charlie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, which was described as a "real blow" to him and his family. However, Charlie has used this as an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease and raise vital funds for charities who support those suffering.
Receiving the Michael Lucas Sporting Hero award at last night's ceremony, Charlie described feeling "over the moon".
"I wasn't expecting it and I can't believe it," he added.
WATCH: Charlie Tostevin receives the Michael Lucas Sporting Hero award.
Overcoming adversity was a central theme of the awards ceremony, with special guest Jaco van Gass MBE describing the challenges he faced after being hit by a rocket propelled grenade whilst completing his second tour of Afghanistan.
Aged just 23, Jaco lost his left arm and suffered multiple other life-changing injuries.
Pictured: The Channel Islands Sports Awards' special guest, Jaco van Gass MBE.
Since then, Jaco has become a key member of the GB Para-Cycling team, winning two gold medals and a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
He was also a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers to trek unsupported to the North Pole.
Jersey's Sally Minty-Gravett won the Judges' Award for becoming the first person to swim the English Channel six times over six decades, whilst Jersey Cricket's Neil MacRae was crowned Coach of the Year.
Safe to say @dolfinsal is quite excited with her #CISportsAwards win! pic.twitter.com/N7Og0T7eJJ
— Channel Islands Sports Awards (@CISportsAwards) February 2, 2023
Guernsey took home the top prize with footballer Maya Le Tissier named as Sports Personality of the Year, and the Guernsey Commonwealth Games squad won Team of the Year.
Meanwhile, two youngsters were chosen for the Rising Star award: Guernsey footballing prodigies, Luke Harris and Alex Scott.
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