This week we launch the 2018 North Ayrshire Community Sports Awards – and it is down to you who will be celebrated this year.

The North Ayrshire Community Sports Awards recognises, celebrates and honours the extraordinary achievements of local people who use the power of sport to make a positive impact within their community.

Since their inception in 2015, the awards have gained the respect and support of the sporting community and local community because of our thorough judging process and high calibre awards evening, celebrating the winners and nominees in a range of award categories.

As the voice of the local community, Ayrshire Weekly Press report on all aspects of local life, including sport, and has a unique understanding of the local sporting landscape and its positive impact within the community.

The event encompasses a wide range of community sport aspects from local coaches increasing participation levels to individuals who have made significant improvements to their life as a direct result of taking part in their chosen sport or activity.

The main theme at the heart of the event is recognising the positive effect sport has on the North Ayrshire community.

The event looks at a wide range of community sporting opportunities engaging with athletes, coaches, volunteers and kit washers from our local communities and clubs and from any age.

The main themes running through the event is community, well-being and team spirit all over the whole of North Ayrshire.

Caroline Paterson, Group Editor Ayrshire Weekly Press said: “North Ayrshire has a thriving sport scene and there are wonderful stories out there which deserve to be told - not just those who have triumphed in their field but those who have used sport to battle against adversity and change their future.

"These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the coaches, volunteers and talented athletes out there who help create those success stories.

"A lot of hard work and dedication goes into running our local sports teams and clubs, week in, week out, and this is the chance to turn the spotlight on them.

"We look forward to hearing this year's nominations.”

GSK are supporting the community coach of the year and Cammy Mitchel, GSK Irvine Site Director said: “We are delighted to support the North Ayrshire Community Sports Awards as it is a wonderful opportunity to recognise organisations and individuals who are inspiring people in our local community to do more, feel better and live longer.”

The categories for this year’s event are

• Community Coach of the Year

• Young Coach of the Year

• Sports Ambassador of the Year

• Young Sports Ambassador of the Year

• Volunteer of the Year

• Young Volunteer of the Year

• Team of the Year

• School Sport Award

• Partnership in Sport Award

• Power of Sport Award

YOU have until Tuesday, September 11, 2018 to enter, so there’s no time to waste to nominate your heroes.

Anyone can nominate so head along to our special website and take the chance to recognise those groups and individuals who bring the power of sport to your community. They could be a star coach, have an inspirational

role in getting kids involved in sport, or maybe go the extra mile in helping vital sporting interests alive. Seek out the website at http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/nasportsawards/ There, you can browse through the award categories, read the criteria and decide which award you want to nominate someone for.

You can then just use our simple step-by-step nomination forms.

You’ll also find details about the gala awards dinner, taking place on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the Waterside Hotel.

For more information on the categories or how to enter contact Kirsty Loughlin on 0141 302 6016 or email Kirsty.loughlin@newsquest.co.uk