Nominate your sporting champions

THE Sutton Coldfield Sports Awards take a hop, step and a jump back into life this month – and we need your nominations to help recognise and reward the elite of the Royal Town's sporting talent.

Building on last year's success, the 2011 awards again have 14 categories, with young and old, able bodied and those with disabilities, clubs, teams, coaches and individuals, all catered for, along with a special achievement for someone who has shown a commitment to Sutton's sporting scene over their lifetime.

Everyone nominated – from every sport across the board – has the chance to proudly hold aloft a sports award.

Olympic hockey bronze medallist Jane Sixsmith – a former winner of the Sutton sports personality award – is backing the 2011 awards.

The ex-Bishop Walsh pupil – who represented Great Britain at four different Olympic Games – said: "2012 promises to be an exciting year for sport in this country and what better way to start the year than acknowledge our own sporting talent in Sutton Coldfield, some of whom could actually be competing in the Olympics or paralympics later next year."

The awards are proudly supported by the Observer again this year and editor Gary Phelps said: "Sutton has a rich heritage in achievement across many sporting fields. It plays a key role in boosting community ties and spirit.

"It is down to all those unsung sporting enthusiasts in the town who devote not just their time and effort to achieving sporting success but also their passion to bringing happiness into the lives of others through sport that deserve to be recognised.

"That's what these awards are all about and the Observer is proud to be a part of such a worthwhile venture."

Councillor Anne Underwood, chairman of the Sutton Coldfield constituency committee said: "I am delighted that we have been able to continue the Sutton Coldfield Sports Awards thanks to the sponsorship of our local businesses and the organisation of the Community Sport and Physical Activity Network.

"This will be the second year we are able to celebrate the wealth of sporting talent we have in the town and the much valued contribution of our volunteers. I now hope that we can make this an annual event."

The deadline for nominations is Monday, December 19 – the nomination form is printed on this page, or go to www.sportinsutton.co.uk to download it.

Winners will be presented with the awards at a glittering ceremony at Sutton Town Hall on Friday, January 27, 2011.

Those nominated must live in Sutton or be involved with a Sutton organisation.