ATTENDEES at the 2016 East Hampshire Sports Awards on Thursday, February 11, will have a chance to hear from one of the country’s most successful sportsmen, Roger Black MBE.

The sporting legend will be giving a motivational speech and answering questions at the event to be held at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook.

The only way to be at the exclusive event is to be nominated for an East Hampshire District Sports Award. Nominations close on Friday, January 8, so there is still time to apply.

The East Hampshire District Sports Awards recognise sportsmen and women at every level, and the coaches, officials and volunteers who work behind the scenes to help athletes and clubs succeed.

Councillor Julie Butler, councillor responsible for community said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Roger to the sports awards team.

“He’s a local example of sporting excellence and dedication that is an inspiration for anyone who strives to be the best in their sport.

“If any of the young people at the event can achieve anything close to Roger in their sporting lives, they should be very proud.

“Applications are coming in thick and fast and we would love to have more nominations from East Hampshire’s sporting women and teams to increase competition in all of the categories.”

The award categories are: 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, and outstanding personal achievement.

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