By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2024-10-29 22:08:25 | Updated at 2024-10-30 07:29:39
4 weeks ago
Nominations are now open for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero award for 2024.
You can nominate the volunteers making your community better through sport on Unsung Hero or Arwr Tawel
All entries must be received before 23:59 GMT on Wednesday, 30 October 2024.
There will be 15 recipients of the Unsung Hero award - one from each of the BBC nations and regions. A judging panel of industry professionals will then decide on one overall winner, who will be announced live at the Sports Personality of the Year awards show, which will take place in December at MediaCityUK in Salford.
Last year's winner was Des Smith - the "driving force" behind Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club since 1986.
Previous winners have taken the platform and grown their club networks to help more people locally, made appearances in national media, joined Olympic legacy boards, worked closely with government mental health initiatives, and consulted on Home Office projects to help young people at risk.
Dame Laura Kenny - Britain's most decorated female Olympian - is the ambassador for the award, and spearheading the campaign for nominations.
She said: "I was eight when I joined Welwyn Wheelers - my local cycling club. If it wasn't for the dedicated people that ran it, I might not have achieved everything I have in the sport. It's so important to recognise these clubs and the people that bring their local communities together through sport."
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "Behind every champion, medallist or record holder are the most incredible people who have spotted them, helped them, driven them, consoled them and made them believe. And they need honouring too.
"It is such an inspiring award, and I can't wait to find out the stories behind our 15 winners for 2024."
It's easy: tell us - either by writing or on film - why your nominee deserves to be our Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero.
The nominee must be 16 or older and work or volunteer at a sports or physical activity club in any capacity, whether it's coaching or coffee making. To nominate, you must be over 18, or have consent from someone relevant over 18.
Head to the Unsung Hero Award page to make your nomination. Welsh language entries can be made through Arwr Tawel
For information about the award, our judging and how we handle your data, read our terms and privacy notices.
Enter before 23:59 GMT on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. We can't accept nominations after this time.
This year we will be awarding a winner for each of the 15 BBC nations and regions. Those winners will then be put forward to a final judging panel of industry experts who will determine the overall winner, who will be announced live at the Sports Personality of the Year awards show.
