Just a few days left to nominate your sporting stars!!!

September 23, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

here are only two weeks left to name and fame people who have given fabulous service in sports in Southend.

Nominations are being sought for the prestigious Southend Sports Awards, which recognise those involved in all aspects of sports, from officials in sports clubs, to participants, other volunteers, and the clubs themselves. Once again, school sports awards form part of the ceremony.

These awards, sponsored by Legacy Leisure are organised by ActiveSouthend and Southend Primary Schools Sports Association (SPSSA).

Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Councillor Graham Longley said: “These awards give an excellent opportunity for people to publicly honour, thank and celebrate those who make a huge contribution to sport in our borough so we hope as many people as possible will take the time to make a nomination in the next two weeks.”

Nominations close on Sunday 28th September and the special awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday 15th October at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Award categories are:

Unsung Hero - A volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to local sport. This could be a coach, official, committee member, helper or anyone else who deserves recognition for their dedication

Coach of the Year - A coach who holds a current recognised coaching qualification (all shortlisted nominations will be verified by the appropriate National Governing Body). This should be someone committed to providing the highest standard of coaching to their athletes and/or to helping other coaches to develop.

Club of the Year - A local team that has made a significant impact. This can be through success in competition or by having a positive impact on the local community.

Olympic Hopeful - A performer who has excelled in their sport and displays the potential to compete in a future Olympic Games.

Paralympic Hopeful - A performer who has excelled in their sport and displays the potential to compete in a future Paralympic Games.

Sports Personality of the Year - A performer who has made a significant impact this year, either individually or as part of a team.

Cycle School of the Year - A school that has made a significant impact in cycling. This can be success in cycling competition and/or by having a positive impact in the sport within its school and/or community.

School of the Year - A school that has made a significant impact. This can be success in competition or by having a positive impact on pupils and/or the local community.

Innovation Award - An individual, group or school that has been innovative in developing sport within their school and/or community.

Most Improved School - A school that has shown a marked improvement in its approach to sport within their school and/or community.

All shortlisted nominations will be automatically considered for the Essex Sports Awards, which are held in November. To make a nomination, please visit: www.southend.gov.uk/sportsawards or, for a hard copy nomination form, please contact getactive@southend.gov.uk or 01702 215612.