THE deadline is approaching for people to recognise the borough's grassroots sporting talent.

Nominations close for the 2019 Believe Sports Awards on Friday, July 26.

The awards celebrate the achievements of athletes and the work of volunteers, coaches and clubs.

This will all be wrapped up in a special ceremony organised by Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of Wigan Council.

Last year, David Clarke won the Volunteer of the year award for his work at Norley Hall Adventure Playground.

Bowl and Plate initiative at Ashton Bowling Club also won the Community Group of the year award after creating a weekly event aimed at reducing social isolation in the community.

This year Wigan Council is sponsoring The Deal Community Programme of the Year category.

It is for groups that demonstrate how a community activity has had a positive impact on getting residents out, active and engaged in their community while also improving their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

A new category has also been introduced this year.

The Workforce Advocate of the Year category will recognise an individual that has used physical activity or sport within their professional role to have positive impacts for their community.

Cllr Jim Moodie, Wigan Council’s lead member for leisure, added: “Coaches, volunteers, athletes and clubs across the borough are incredibly talented and dedicated, and the Believe Sports Awards is the perfect opportunity to recognise their commitment and support.

“In Wigan we strongly believe in recognising valuable contributions and every nominee is deservedly put forward, so I would urge people to continue to nominate until the deadline.”

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

Young Sports Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Debit Finance Collections)

Club of the Year (Sponsored by Big Wave Media)

Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Wigan Athletic Community Trust)

Workforce Advocate of the Year (Sponsored by ECG Facilities Services)

The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award (Sponsored by Link Contracting Ltd)

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award (Sponsored by Technogym)

Team of the Year (Sponsored by Wigan Warriors Community Foundation)

The Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and S port (Sponsored by Alliance Leisure)

Sports Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Agilisys)

The Deal Community Programme of the Year (Sponsored by Wigan Council)

Nominations should reflect achievements between September 2018 and the closing date next week.

This year’s ceremony will take place at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Friday, October 11 and nominations can be made by filling in the online form by clicking here.