Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to sport in South Derbyshire? Now is the time to let them take centre stage and be recognised. The nominations for the South Derbyshire Sports Awards are open now until 31 July, 2008.

The South Derbyshire Sports Awards provide a way of thanking volunteers and celebrating the successes of local athletes.

Says Councillor John Lemmon, Chairman of the South Derbyshire Community Sports Network, “Awards will be given to people from all areas of sport, from community heroes who have provided a service to sport for over five years, to top sports stars from the District.

“Our District winners and runners-up in each category go forward to the Derbyshire Sports Awards, a glittering presentation evening on 14 November at Pride Park Stadium, Derby. At last year’s District final, Kathryn Pearson, from Swadlincote’s Rifle and Pistol Club, took the prestigious Sportsperson of the Year award after a highly successful year with the British Universities and Great Britain Squad. Ray Statham was winner of the Service to Sport award for his continued dedicated work and commitment to Woodville Cricket Club.

Winners of the Derbyshire Sports Awards could go through to the East Midlands Sports Awards and even to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.”

There are a variety of categories for your nominations in including Sportsperson of the Year, Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Service to Sport Award and Team of the Year.

To find out more and to nominate someone, log on to www.south-derbys.gov.uk/sportsawards or contact Laura Gibson, South Derbyshire’s Club Development Officer on 01283 228751