Time running out to nominate Chichester youth sport heroes

Young sports stars or teams who deserve recognition for their efforts can be nominated up to Friday, April 1.

The awards also recognise coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Many clubs and organisations rely solely on their efforts to operate.

If you know of anyone who deserves recognition for their efforts, you can nominate them for a volunteer of the year or coach of the year award.

Sport England research shows sports volunteers contribute one billion hours to sport each year. The value of time contributed by sports volunteers in England is estimated at over £14bn.

The 2010 coach of the year award was won by David Barr of Chichester Canoe Club for his work with young people to develop their sporting ability and enable them to realise potential.

Barr started the canoe club’s Hunston project in 2005. With funding from businesses, individuals and the district council, he bought a fleet of kayaks and other equipment for the club and even built a boat shed himself for safe storage.

He organises sessions for local children and courses for the MEND project.

Nominations can be made in the following categories: team of the year (sponsored by Westgate Leisure); volunteer of the year; coach of the year (sponsored by the University of Chichester); young person’s commitment to sport; outstanding contribution to sport; outstanding sports performance of the year, and youth sport achievement sponsored by (Game, Set & Match).

The awards are organised by Chichester District Council in partnership with the Observer and Chichester Priory Rotary Club.

Forms can be collected from the council or the Observer office in Eastgate Square.

They can be downloaded from www.chichester.gov.uk. or obtained from Ben Polhill, at Chichester District Council, on 01243 534857 or at [email protected]