THE window to enter the Clackmannanshire Sports Council Awards will close next week, with the ceremony set for later this year.

A deadline of Monday, January 30 has been set for nominations, with 13 different categories on offer this year.

Always well-supported by the Wee County sporting community, the awards will celebrate the achievements of teams, athletes, coaches and the unsung heroes with a ceremony to take place at Alloa Town Hall on Thursday, March 23.

The awards are about more than top podium finish at major events with a variety of categories seeking to recognise all forms of achievement.

Kenny Cook, active communities officer and secretary for Clackmannanshire Sports Council, told the Advertiser: “We have already received some outstanding nominations for the awards but are looking for even more to help celebrate the sporting achievements of Clackmannanshire people.

“The Wee County has just under 100 clubs and there must be many competitors, coaches and volunteers who deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication to their sport.

“Even if you know someone who has been nominated in the past they can be nominated again.

“Please take a few minutes to complete the nomination form and help to promote sport in the Wee County.”

Categories include the Junior and Senior Award, Team of the Year, Primary and Secondary School Team of the Year, Junior School Sports Award, Triumph Over Adversity with a participation and sports competitor category, Coach of the Year awards, Young Leader/Volunteer Award as well as the coveted Services to Sport and Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award.

As Kenny previously told the Advertiser: “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 fundraising events, doing the administration or booking parks they can still be nominated for their services 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.”

Visit clacks.gov.uk/learning/sportscouncilcriteria/ to nominate a person or find a form at libraries and council venues.