With the Olympics now amazing people with how well UK athletes are doing it’s a good time to nominate your local sporting heroes.
Nominations are now open for this year’s Kirklees Community Sports Awards which will be held at the John Smith’s Stadium in the autumn.
The awards, promoted by the Huddersfield Examiner in association with Huddersfield Town, recognise sports teams and the often unseen work done by volunteers and those around the clubs and societies.
And last year’s winners have urged people to get their nominations in as soon as possible.
Rich McLeod, winner of the Disabled Athlete of the Year Award said: “It was amazing to win the award, I really didn’t expect it. The local recognition was fantastic and the fact that the judging panel was made up of such high profile sports people really meant a lot to me.
“I feel passionately that sport can really unite a community and I see real pride and enthusiasm for sports in and around Kirklees. The awards are a fantastic way to throw the limelight on grass roots sports clubs and celebrate the achievements that can often go unacknowledged.
“I think the most important thing is to be passionate about what you do. Be an ambassador for your sport and a role model for those who follow.”
Lydia Walker, who won the Young Sports Personality Award added: “It was such a shock to win the award. After I’d read about the other finalists I really didn’t expect to win.
“I would encourage anyone involved in sports in the Kirklees area to enter the awards. The whole night is a brilliant celebration and really highlights the incredible achievements of sports teams and individuals across the region.
“Whether you win or not it’s just great to get behind others, meet new people and see clubs and coaches get the recognition they deserve for their hard work and genorosity.”
Paul Simpson from Deighton Table Tennis Club, winner of the Most Improved Sports Club/Team said: “After winning the award our membership began to increase and we had to start putting on extra sessions. We have since been asked to deliver table tennis at Kirklees schools and colleges who have now added the sport as a GCSE option.
“The awards really are a fantastic way to promote the hard work and dedication put in by so many volunteers at various clubs across Kirklees without whom it wouldn’t be possible to out on such a diverse range of sports.”
This year’s awards will take place on Friday, November 11 at the John Smiths Stadium and will recognise sports teams in the area, as well as celebrate the often unseen work done by volunteers and those around the clubs and societies.
To enter nominations should be no longer than 700 words and forms can be downloaded at www.htafccommercial.com/news/kirklees-sports-2016/ .
Completed forms should be emailed to kirsportsawards@htafc.com or posted to:
Kirklees Community Sports Awards
C/O Huddersfield Town AFC
The John Smith’s Stadium
Stadium Way
Huddersfield
HD1 6PX
The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 19.
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