SPORT and physical activity would not happen in Cornwall without the dedicated volunteers who give their time each week - now you can show your appreciation by nominating them in the 2016 Cornwall Sports Awards.

Cornwall Sports Partnership wants this year’s awards to inspire women.

They are focusing on celebrating those amazing women and girls who inspire other women and girls across Cornwall to be active. Whether it’s a coach, volunteer, official or club member, CSP want to reward, recognise and share their inspirational stories.

Natasha Howard from the CSP explains: “We have held the Cornwall Sports Awards every year since 2006 to give recognition to our local sports volunteers who are the unsung heroes in making Cornish sport as great as it is.”

“Over the years we have uncovered some incredibly inspirational people and linked to the # This Girl Can campaign delivered by Sport England, we want to recognise more women and inspire them to get more women and girls active right here in Cornwall.”

Inspirational women who have previously been recognised include Linda Brickell, from Cornwall Squash & Racketball

Association who won Volunteer of the Year 2015.

She works with young people training them to be Level 1 coaches, organising competitions and ensuring the future of

the sport is sustained.

On winning her award Linda said: “The evening at the Sports Awards was magical. The whole experience was super, amazing company with a great diversity of sporting people from all over the County, not to mention great organisation and wonderful food in comfortable surroundings!”

“I was humbled to be in the company of so many people who give so much to their sports and I was proud to be a part of it. Thank you”.

Since winning her award in 2015 Linda has worked locally on a Young Mum’s project inspired by #ThisGirlCan, that engages new people in our sport. This work has led her to become a key lead volunteer for the National Steering Group that develops women’s and girls’ opportunities. Her ideas, thoughts and project concepts will not only engage over 50 new young mums into sport locally but encourage women from across the nation to participate in squash which is truly unquantifiable.

The awards are in four categories and incorporate 14 separate Awards including Children's Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Official of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, Active Workplace of the Year plus many more...

The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Cornwall Sports Awards is Wednesday, September 7, so now’s the time to make your nomination!

If you know somebody who does great things for sport in your local community, why not say thank you and give them the recognition they truly deserve.

Nominations can be made ONLINE at www.cornwallsportspartnership.co.uk, a printable version is also available. Alternatively please contact Natasha Howard on nhoward@cornwall.gov.uk or 01872 323347.