In August, Compete Magazine (previously Sports Out Loud) started accepting applications for its 2010 Athlete of the Year contest. Each year, the magazine honours a deserving LGBT athlete as its Athlete of the Year. The winner is chosen by an application process that includes commitment to personal achievement, active participation in an individual or team sport, commitment to supporting/encouraging others in sports, and his/her commitment to the LGBT sporting community and/or the LGBT community.
“It is important that our winner is committed to members of the gay sporting community in particular and/or the gay community as a whole,” said Co-Publisher David Riach. “Our Athlete of the Year is chosen not just for what they do on the court or field but also their commitment to serve the GLBT community in some way,” he continued.
After initial scoring, the finalists’ applications are sent to the selection committee to determine the winner. This year’s selection committee includes international rugby star Ben Cohen, Olympic speed skater Blake Skjellerup, actor Chad Allen, Siruis Radio’s Doria Biddle and Compete's publisher Eric Carlyle.
The winner will enjoy a trip for two which includes airfare and hotel vouchers. In addition, Compete's 2010 Athlete of the Year will appear in the December issue and will be a guest on Compete Radio. Individuals to receive the Athlete of the Year Award in the past were Jeff Kagan (2008) and John Deffee (2009).
Official rules and nomination forms can be found online; the deadline for application is October 15, 2010.