The annual sports awards for Ards have opened and local people are being encouraged to get nominating.

Ards has a wealth of sporting talent and this is an opportunity to acknowledge the sporting success, the dedication to coaching and the commitment to opening up participation in sport which happens every day of the year in this area

The awards, sponsored by Charles Hurst Renault and organised by the Ards Borough Sports Development Committee, are made across 9 separate categories, recognising individual, team and coaching achievements.

Councillor Joe Boyle, Chair of Ards Sports Development Committee, is encouraging local sports clubs and members of the community to nominate: “These awards recognise the devotion and hard work of coaches, teams and individuals in sports clubs throughout Ards. They train in all weather, push themselves to the limit and give their all.  I would encourage our clubs, community organisations and individual residents to submit their nominations to show their support to our very own sporting heroes.”

As well as Charles Hurst Renault, individual awards are sponsored by Ulster Bank, Danske Bank, Trophies by Design, Lambert Smith Hampton, Hughes Insurance, Belvoir Lettings, Progressive Building Society and the Mayor of Ards.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 6th February 2015 at 4pm. For further information visit www.ards-council.gov.uk/sports development or call the sports development unit at Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4018.

Front row: Hughes, Cllr Menagh, Mile Cowie, Mayor Phillip Smith, Chair Ards Sports Development Committee Cllr Joe Boyle, Head of Leisure Ian O'Neill, Hughes.  Back row: James Ogg, Ivan Coffey, Libbey Henderson, Neil Workman, Lyn Crawford, Leslie Busby, Paul Fox, Trevor Burns.