AS the nominations open for this year’s Alton and District Sports Council Sports Awards, the message is clear: “Support them or lose them.”

Cancelled last year due to an apparent lack of interest, and due to some confusion with the East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) Sports Awards, the Alton and District Sports Council Awards are open to sports men, women, and children, teams and officials from Alton and the surrounding area who have shone at their particular sport or supported and encouraged others to do so throughout the year.

In an area that offers a wide range of sporting activities, the awards have traditionally attracted some strong competition, with Alton and its villages providing the starting point for some high-profile success. In more recent years, hockey player Alex Danson, a former member of Alton Hockey Club, has claimed worldwide fame for winning Olympic gold in her team sport.

According to Alton and District Sports Council vice-chairman Brian Scowcroft, the aim of the awards scheme is to “publicly recognise endeavour and achievement” in the various nominated sporting categories.

He continued: “In the Alton area, we have a wealth of talent that largely goes unrecognised. These awards allow for these talented athletes to gain some publicity and showcase their achievements and sport.

“We also want to recognise that band of unsung heroes, the coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly to support local athletes to gain local, county, national and international honours.”

Deeply disappointed over the poor response to last year’s awards, which were cancelled as a result, Mr Scowcroft is urging sports people to step up to the plate and show their support for the 2016 renewal, with a warning that “if you do not support these awards they will be cancelled forever”.

Divided into junior (under18 on January 1, 2016) and senior (18 and over on January 1, 2016) categories, these include awards for sportsman and sportswoman of the year, disability sportsperson, volunteer of the year, and team of the year.

There is no age criteria attached to the award for coach/official of the year in either category.

In the senior section, there are awards too for service to sport and sports personality of the year.

Nominees are assessed by a judging panel and winners are required to meet criteria specific to each category.

The deadline for this year’s nominations is Saturday, December 31, and selected finalists are invited to the awards evening at Chawton Park Indoor Bowls Club in Alton on January 25.

Winners from the Alton and District Sports Council awards will be put forward to compete for the East Hampshire District awards.

To download guidance and nomination forms, visit altondsc.org or call 01420 87302.

All nomination forms must be returned to Brian Scowcroft at [email protected].