THERE is still time to support the Isle of Wight’s many unsung sporting heroes — and those who support them — with your nominations for the 46th annual Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards.

A ceremony to celebrate the Island’s sports stars will be held at Newport’s Medina Theatre on Thursday, April 2 — hosted by former BBC and ITV chief, Lord Michael Grade, of Yarmouth, and Isle of Wight Radio presenter, Lucy Morgan.

The ceremony celebrates the Island’s sporting success stories — recognising outstanding achievement or service from sportsmen and women in 2019.

Categories are listed on the nomination form, but deserving nominations, even if they do not appear to fit into one of them, are also encouraged.

Awards include not only for sports achievers, but for sportsmanship and to coaches, volunteers and schools which have done most to promote local sport.

The awards also include nominations for the best sporting primary and secondary schools on the Island in promoting and inspiring physical activity this year.

Nominations will be judged by an independent panel, with all finalists notified in early February.

Speaking for awards organisers, the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, Sarah Willis urges readers to nominate worthy candidates.

“The Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards is a great event that showcases the amazing sporting talent we have on the Island, as well as the wonderful volunteers and officials who give their time to make it all possible.

“We urge all Island clubs to nominate all worthy contenders.”

The Sports Awards is an inspiring event that recognises outstanding achievement or service, amongst sportsmen and women of all ages and celebrates our Isle of Wight success stories and sporting talent. We hear of many unsung heroes that deserve recognition, so we really encourage all island clubs to nominate their worthy candidates.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 17.

Go to https://iowsports.org/awards/, then download the main nomination form using the link: https://www.iowsports.org/candidate-nomination-form/

For the school nominations, go to either link, as appropriate: https://www.iowsports.org/primary-school-nomination-form/ or https://www.iowsports.org/secondary-school-nomination-form/

For paper nomination forms, email: info@iowsports.org