Marlies Pille is the newly-crowned Lower Saxony Disabled Sportswoman of the Year. The 44-year-old BSV Lohne footballer, who took fourth place with her Germany team-mates at the international Special Olympics for people with learning disabilities in Shanghai last year, received the award from FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Organising Committee President Steffi Jones in Hanover on Thursday.

"Marlies, we all know how skilled you are on the ball. You are a worthy winner. Personally, I am delighted that a woman has finally won this award, as it is the eighth occasion that the Lower Saxony Disabled Sports Association has conducted the poll. And on top of that, it's gone to an excellent female footballer," the OC head declared, also presenting the winner with a surprise extra gift, an invitation to a match at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011.

Some 250 VIP guests from the worlds of politics, business, sport and media attended the gala evening. Naturally, the focus was on the outstanding achievements of the six candidates shortlisted for the award, but the showcase football tournament scheduled to be held in three-and-a-half years also sparked much comment and discussion.

Lower Saxony Sports and Interior Minister Uwe Schunemann, representing Minister President Christian Wulff who was unable to attend due to illness, enquired after the current state of preparations, specifically mentioning candidate Host City Wolfsburg. "We enjoyed a fantastic and memorable 2006 FIFA World Cup in Hanover, and would naturally be overjoyed if we were to stage another terrific party in Wolfsburg in 2011," the Minister said.