Your chance to vote for best sports volunteer

THE search is on for the best local talent from the voluntary sport community.

Oldham Sports Awards recognise the time and effort people dedicate to the cause — and YOU can have an influence on the outcome in each category.

The eagerly-anticipated event takes place on Thursday, June 30 at Chadderton Town Hall, so organisers want nominations by the Friday, June 10.

Awards up for grabs are coach of the year, club of the year, volunteer in sport, unsung hero, sports achiever, disabled sports achiever, special contribution and young volunteer. The ceremony starts at 6.30pm.

Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/sportsawards to download a nomination form.

Winners in the individual categories will go on to represent Oldham at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards at Lancashire Cricket Club in November.

Organiser Simon Tait, club and volunteer development officer for the council’s Integrated Youth Service, said: “An unbelievable number of people are working really hard for sport in Oldham.

“This is an opportunity for people in the community and the sports clubs to nominate, so the hard work is recognised.

“I can’t even begin to describe how many hidden gems are out there, putting in the graft but not getting the recognition they deserve.

“In previous years the efforts of those not in the spotlight have been brought to our attention and we have honoured those people, so hopefully that can happen again this time.

“It is a brilliant event. There will be around 200 people there on the night and we are in the process of finalising an agreement with a special guest speaker, who will share his sporting experiences with us.

“I would urge people to get their nominations to us as soon as possible so we can give some richly-deserved praise to people involved in the local sporting community.”

For more information about Oldham Sports Awards, call Simon on (0161) 770 2050 or email him at simon.tait@oldham.gov.uk