Nominate an Unsung Hero who brings sport to community for award

Awards which recognise volunteers who go above and beyond to bring sport and physical activity to their local community have opened today. The opening of nominations for this year’s Unsung Hero award mark the start of the 70^th year of Sports Personality of the Year - which will take place in December at Media City UK.

Gabby Logan, BBC Sport presenter, said: “Sports Personality of the Year is a highlight in my calendar. Not just because we get to celebrate the athletes that have excited and entertained us all year, but because we get to celebrate the heroes in our local communities which do so much for grassroots sport. If you know someone who goes above and beyond to bring sport to communities please make sure you nominate them to give them the recognition they deserve!”

All nominees must be 16 years or older and work or volunteer for a sports club or physical activity in their local community – this could be anything from football to fencing, swimming to salsa – and they can be involved in any capacity, whether that’s a steward or a coach. The nominee must demonstrate a passion for their local community and encouraging others to take part in a sport.

This year, there will be winners from each of the 15 BBC nations and regions, to recognise the dedicated people who are committed to grassroots sport right across the UK. A judging panel of industry experts will then decide on just one winner who will be announced live at the event in December.

To nominate someone head to the BBC Sport website and complete the application. You must be over 18, or have consent from someone over 18, and the nomination window is open until 23:59 Monday 30 October.

The ambassador for the award this year, Triple Olympic Champion gymnast Max