Let’s reward Littlehampton’s sporting heroes

Littlehampton Town Council and the Littlehampton Sports Forum are seeking nominations once again for the town’s 2012 Sports Awards.

It’s an opportunity not only to reward sporting excellence, but also to recognise those who work tirelessly behind the scenes for clubs and organisations to enable others to enjoy their sport.

The awards have grown steadily since they were first staged in 2005 and organisers hope that this year the upward trend will continue, with a further increase in the number of nominations – last year where the Sports Forum received almost 30. The overall winner, Sophie Parnell, was presented with her trophy by the legendary jockey Bob Champion.

There are nine categories, including sportsperson of the year, young sportsperson of the year, coach of the year, sports team of the year, youth sports team of the year, administrator of the year, contribution to youth sport, contribution to disabled sport and the much-coveted mayor’s award, for lifetime contribution to sport.

Those nominated may have excelled at local, national or even international level.

The closing date will be September 14 and nominations will be considered by a judging panel, with the winners announced at an invitation-only awards ceremony to be held on October 8 at the Coco Lounge, Littlehampton – the club is the main sponsor of the event.

The ceremony will be hosted by a special guest who is yet to be announced.

Councillor Alan Gammon, chairman of the town council’s community resources committee, said: “There are many sportspeople in Littlehampton who have excelled at their sport and deserve to be recognised for their achievements.

“It’s not just sportspeople who need recognition, but also those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making it all happen, who need to be acknowledged and we ask the public to let us know who they are. So, we ask for your support in identifying the great people of our town.”

Nominations can be made online at www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk or forms are available at the town council’s Manor House offices in Church Street.