Devon Sports Awards go wild!
The event is on April 1 but organisers, Active Devon, are urging sports clubs, coaches and volunteers 'not to be fools' - nominate their dedicated members before the closing date on February 28.
The Devon Sports Awards night is an annual celebration and acknowledgement of all those unsung heroes across the county who offer their time and expertise, often for free, for the good of Sport in Devon.
This includes volunteers, officials and coaches – the driving force behind the scenes that help develop athletes in the county.
Recent success stories such as Tom Daley, Liam Tancock and Heather Fell often put their success down to volunteers without whom they would not have progressed.
Nomination forms are available to complete online, or to download at www.activedevon.org/awards.
Nominations have opened and will be available only until February 28.
There are nine categories to nominate against plus a special Outstanding Contribution Award and the nomination process is quick and easy. Full details of the awards can be found by visiting www.activedevon.org/awards.
Helen Pope, Marketing Manager for Active Devon added "We are so excited to secure Paignton Zoo as the venue for this year's ceremony. How many people can say they accepted their award within walking distance of flamingos and to the sound of roaring lions?"
This year's event will again be presented by former ITV Westcountry Sports Presenter and Active Devon Board Member Mark Tyler.
Last year over 100 nominations were short-listed to 30 finalists, all invited to the evening ceremony.
Dennis Walls, a canoeing coach in Exeter, stole the show receiving the Services to Sport as a Volunteer award as well as taking home the overall winners prize for Outstanding Services to Sport in Devon.
Dennis said: "Winning two categories came as such a great shock. My thanks go to Active Devon for their appreciation of some of the work I have been involved with during my time with the Canoe Club and for organising such a splendid presentation evening. I urge members of clubs throughout Devon to put forward their own dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.
Active Devon has also encouraged businesses to get involved in the awards through various partnership opportunities including sponsorship and corporate entertaining. They would be pleased to have an informal discussion with companies wanting to find out more.
The categories for nomination are: Senior Coach – Male; Senior coach – Female; Performance Coach of the Year; Coach of Disabled Performers; Newly Qualified Coach; Young Coach of the Year; Young Volunteer of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Official of the Year.
To nominate a colleague, club member, coach or official visit www.activedevon.org to complete an online nomination form or to print a copy.
For any queries contact the Active Devon Office on 01392-263674 or email active@devon.gov.uk
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