NOMINATIONS for the 2014 Wiltshire Sports Awards are being sought.

The awards, now in their fifth year, have 12 categories which recognise and honour the work and achievements of athletes, sports clubs, volunteers and coaches across Wiltshire.

They are sponsored by Landmarc and are being hosted jointly by Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Health Improvement Partnership and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport.

The top three from each category will be invited to attend a special awards event at The Atrium, County Hall, Trowbridge on October 22, hosted by former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville.

Anyone can nominate a Wiltshire individual or organisation for one of the 12 categories from today until the closing date of Friday August 1.

This year’s Wiltshire Sports Awards categories are: Sports Personality of the Year; Young Sports Personality of the Year; Sports Personality of the Year (athlete with a disability); Unsung Hero of the Year; Long Service to Sport award; Young Volunteer of the Year; Coach of the Year (voluntary); Coach of the Year (professional); Inclusion Coach of the Year; Young Coach of the Year; Sports Club/Team of the Year; Most Inclusive Club of the Year Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, said: “We have some exciting sporting talent in Wiltshire and this is an opportunity to recognise their achievements but also to turn the spotlight on the many unsung heroes whose tireless enthusiasm keeps so many clubs alive in Wiltshire.

“Sport plays a major part in improving our health and sense of wellbeing and we hope these awards will inspire more people to take up sport.”

Phil de Glanville said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Wiltshire Sports Awards again this year.

“Having seen previous winners’ responses as they step up to receive their award I know first-hand how much formal recognition means to them.

“I’d encourage people to nominate now so we can celebrate more of Wiltshire’s sporting heroes.”

Corporate director Maggie Rae said: “Many of us appreciate and admire the efforts of people connected with sport in Wiltshire.

“This is an opportunity to nominate someone who you believe has made a real difference to sport and I look forward to seeing many people’s names being put forward for this recognition.”

The awards criteria can be downloaded from the website and nominations made online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/sportsawards For any questions on the awards email: sportsawards@wiltshire.gov.uk For Twitter updates use the hashtag #WiltsSportsAwards