Marcus Rashford in line for special Sports Personality of the Year gong as BBC plan reconition for school meals campaign
BBC bosses are chewing over giving free school meals hero Marcus Rashford a special award at this year’s Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
SPOTY want to recognise his effort in single-handedly taking on the Government over its controversial stance on child poverty.
The Special Achievement Awards have been handed out only five times before.
They went to jockey Lester Piggott, marathon runner Dennis Moore, comedians David Walliams and Eddie Izzard and 2012 Olympics chief Sebastian Coe.
Organisers think it would be a fitting honour for the 22-year-old England and Manchester United ace and would allow the main gong to go to someone for a sporting achievement instead.
More than a million people have signed Rashford’s petition calling to end child hunger and extend free school meals over holidays.
And the striker capped his incredible week by scoring his first senior hat-trick.
He slotted in three goals against RB Leipzig during Man United’s 5-0 demolition of the German side in the Champions League on Wednesday.
A telly source revealed yesterday: “It’s very early days yet in the process, but the organisers have discussed how they can recognise Marcus’s outstanding campaigning efforts this year.
“It’s tricky, as the bookies’ favourite is currently Lewis Hamilton after his record-breaking 92nd Formula One victory, but it would be odd to not recognise the striker in some way.”
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A BBC source said no final decisions on honours would be taken until closer to the ceremony on December 13, adding: “There’s a lot of time between now and then.
“The committee will meet in late November when things will start to take shape.”
Last year’s top gong went to cricketer Ben Stokes after he helped England win the World Cup and Ashes.
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