The winning titles in each category from the awards made up a shortlist to find the best overall sports book of the year, with the public voting on the official website since May 22 to select a winner.
'Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson' topped the online vote after winning the best biography category at the Sports Book Awards ceremony.
'Engage' is the moving story of Hampson, the Leicester Tigers player who dislocated his neck and was paralysed during an England training session, and how he readjusted to everyday life after the accident.
“You have to overcome that thought of ‘Do I really want to read that – yes you do! It’s outstandingly written and a life affirming book,” said Mick Dennis, chair of the BSBA Sports Biography of the Year judging panel.
Kimmage said: "The writing of 'Engage' is the most difficult thing I've ever done. It is also the most satisfying.
"It's a great honour to win from such a strong shortlist of books but the real buzz is being able to share this award with Matt, a great friend and the most courageous and inspiring person I've ever met."
Hampson, whose work with the Matt Hampson Foundation aims to help young people seriously injured through sport, added: “The response we have received from all walks of life since the release of 'Engage' has been overwhelming.
“We are delighted to receive this award, especially as it was voted for by the general public. Paul and I hope 'Engage' will continue to inspire and touch many more people."
'Engage: The Fall and Rise of Matt Hampson' is published by Simon & Schuster and is out now in paperback or available to download as an ebook.
The Matt Hampson Foundation is an official Leicester Tigers charity and official charity of the Junior Tigers Club. Click here for more details of the Foundation's work.
