Nominate Your Sporting Heroes Now

The Sports Council for Wales is on the lookout for the nation’s sporting heroes.

The people of Wales are being called upon to nominate sports coaches for The Sports Council for Wales Coach of the Year Awards 2009.

Coaches are at the heart of sport – whether it’s on the sidelines at the FA Cup Final or at Saturday morning five-a-side. And that’s why the Sports Council for Wales wants to recognise people at all levels – including the coach who works morning, noon and night at your local club.

You have until 2 October to make your voice heard.

The categories are:

· Female Coach

· Club Coach

· Coach to Disabled Sportspeople

· High Performance Coach

· Young Coach/Leader (for coaches aged under 25)

The prestigious Sports Council for Wales Coach of the Year accolade will be awarded to one of the category winners.

Last year, former miner Billy Pye, from Blaengwynfi in the Upper Afan Valleys, won the top honour. The swim coach has cultivated the talents of Paralympic swimmers David Roberts, Ellie Simmonds and Liz Johnson and he is now urging sports fans to nominate:

"It was a huge honour for me to win last year. It came as a great pat on the back – especially after all the early starts to be poolside! Coaching can be hard work though of course it is hugely enjoyable. I would strongly urge everyone to get nominating – it’s a really nice way to say thanks to your coach down at your local club."

Chair of the Sports Council Philip Carling explains:

"There are so many coaches out there who are doing a really good job – whether it’s at a local or national level. This year, we want to see more entries than ever before. We know there are many worthy candidates out there and we want to hear about them all so get nominating!"

A Lifetime Achievement gong may also be awarded. Mr Carling added: "This award is aimed at rewarding a truly exceptional individual who has dedicated their life to sport."

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Cardiff on 12 November 2009. The Sports Council will nominate all those collecting a gong for the UK Coaching Awards, hosted by sports coach UK.

Nominations must arrive no later than Friday 2 October 2009

To download or complete a nomination form online visit:

www.coachingwales.com

For more information phone 029 2033 8213