NOMINATIONS are open for the East Hampshire District Sports Awards 2016, which recognise sportsmen and women at every level, and the coaches, officials and volunteers who work behind the scenes to help athletes and clubs succeed.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 8, 2016, and elected finalists will be invited to an awards evening on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook.

The winners of the district awards will be put forward to compete for the 2016 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards.

Councillor Julie Butler, councillor responsible for community, said: “As someone who has been involved in a local sports team for many years, I have seen the importance of sport in building strong communities, from the people who give up their time to coach a team to the individuals who take part in the sport, everyone works together for a common goal, the very essence of a community. If you know of someone who has gone the extra mile in (or for) their sport, get nominating.”

Nominees are assessed by a judging panel and winners are required to meet criteria specific for each category.

These annual prestigious awards are co-ordinated by East Hampshire District Council to publicly recognise sporting achievement in the following categories: Junior Sportsman and Junior Sportswoman, Senior Sportsman and Senior Sportswoman, Masters Sportsman and Sportswoman, Junior Disability Sportsperson, Senior Disability Sportsperson, Coach of the Year (male or female), Volunteer of the Year (junior and senior), School Team of the Year, Team of the Year (junior and senior), Official (male or female), Service to Sport (male or female), Club of the Year, Outstanding Personal Achievement.

To download the guidance and nomination forms visit www.easthants.gov.uk/sportsawards

For more information contact Kirsty Cope, East Hampshire District Council community project worker, on 01730 234015.