NOMINATIONS are now open for the Clackmannanshire Sports Council annual awards, which will take place in March next year.

Th event all always well supported in the Wee County, with a record number of entries received last year.

It's not all about medal winners, as individuals and teams who have displayed a significant commitment to sport over the last 12 months can be recognised across the 13 categories.

Kenny Cook, from the sport council, was keen to stress the community aspect of sport and the work of those "behind the scenes" as well.

He said: "We are looking to deliver an even better awards ceremony this year and are searching the country for an inspirational speaker to attend and provide an insight into their individual sporting journey.

"We will also be utilising the current talent we have in Clackmannanshire by having the winner from last year's Young Leader/Volunteer award, Mia Mitchell helping us present the awards.

"For the size of the county it is amazing the heights that individuals and teams reach on the national and international sporting stage.

"Over the last year we have heard of many great sporting achievements in the pages of the Alloa Advertiser and we would look forward to receiving them as nominations.

"The standard in all the categories is always very high with some absolutely amazing achievements," Kenny added." Even if people are not competing at national or international level they can still be nominated and recognised for their contribution to sport and physical activity in Clackmannanshire.

"Within the Triumph over Adversity category, individuals can be nominated for their participation in sport and or physical activity. Coaches who help deliver programmes that are not competitive, but more social can also be nominated.

"Young leaders and volunteers can be nominated for their contribution to a local sports club or delivering sports or physical activity in schools.

"Even if a person doesn’t take part in sport, but helps behind the scenes with washing the kit, holding fund raising events, doing the administration or booking parks they can still be nominated for their Services to Sport or Lifetime contribution to Sport.

"This is your chance to show your support for someone you know who has achieved something in their chosen sport as an individual or a team and deserves the recognition for it."

The 2020 awards night will take place at Alloa Town Hall on Thursday, March 12.

The categories available include:

Junior Sports personality of the year

Senior sports personality of the year

Team of the year

Primary school team of the year

Secondary school team of the year

Triumph over adversity (Participation)

Triumph over adversity (Sports Competitor)

Services to sport

Coach of the year (participation)

Coach of the year (competition)

Primary Young leader award (Junior under 12)

Young leader/volunteer (senior under 25)

Life time contribution to sport

Nominations forms are available from leisure centres, community halls, schools, libraries or can be downloaded from Clacksweb.org

The closing date for nominations is Thursday, January 30, 2020.

Nomination forms should be e-mailed to kcook@clacks.gov.co.uk

For further information please contact the secretary on 01259 452334.