THE SEARCH is on to find the winners of the Suffolk Sports Awards for 2008.The awards, run by Suffolk Sport in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, will culminate in a gala evening at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Sunday, October 19.

THE SEARCH is on to find the winners of the Suffolk Sports Awards for 2008.

The awards, run by Suffolk Sport in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, will culminate in a gala evening at Trinity Park, Ipswich on Sunday, October 19.

There are 12 categories as follows:

The Larking Gowen Sports Personality of the Year Award: A performer who has made great progress over time, has achieved a great deal or has made a big difference to a team. Must be aged 19 or over on August 31 2008.

2007 winner - Ann Thomas (powerlifting)

The Hunters Land Rover Ipswich Young Sports Personality of the Year Award: - A performer who has made great progress over time, has achieved a great deal or has made a big difference to a team. Must be aged 18 or under on August 31 2008.

2007 winner - Leigh Greenan (basketball)

The BBC Radio Suffolk Unsung Hero Award: A volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to local sport. This could be an official, committee member, helper or anyone else who you feel deserves recognition for their dedication. (Qualified coaches should be nominated for the Coach of the Year award instead).

2007 winner - Mr & Mrs Syd Vice (various sports)

The Fitness Unit Triumph Over Adversity Award: An individual, team or organisation that has overcome obstacles and challenges to achieve success or make a valued contribution to their sport. Individuals could include performers, coaches, officials, committee members or other volunteers who you feel deserve recognition for their efforts in the face of adversity.

2007 winner - Tom Cole (swimming)

The Sport 4 Suffolk Coach of the Year Award: A coach who holds a current, recognised National Governing Body coaching qualification. This should be someone who is committed to delivering the highest standard of coaching to their performers and/or to helping other coaches to develop.

2007 winner - Nick Drane (basketball)

The Suffolk Disability Sport Academy Contribution to Disability Sport Award: An individual who has gone to great lengths to raise the profile of disability sport within Suffolk. This could be someone who has gained funding, helped provide opportunities for disabled athletes or encouraged people with disabilities to get involved with sport.

2007 winner - Neil Thomas (powerlifting)

The Hunters Land Rover Ipswich Club of the Year Award: A club that has worked hard to encourage members of the community into their sport. This could include specific achievements in any development area such as increased junior membership, disability sport etc. The club must hold Clubmark or equivalent NGB accreditation - ie Charter Standard Community, Swim21 etc.

2007 winner - Deben Swimming Club

The Touchline Sports Senior Team of the Year Award: A club team (with members aged 19 or older on August 31 2008) that has achieved success or competed at a consistently high level throughout the year. A team consisting of both junior and senior players is classified as a senior team.

2007 winner - Lowestoft Ladies indoor hockey team

The Harrod UK Junior Team of the Year Award: A school or club team (with all members aged 18 or younger on August 31 2008) that has achieved success or competed at a consistently high level throughout the year.

2007 winner - West Suffolk College football team

The Suffolk School Sport Partnerships School of the Year Award: A school that gives its pupils a wide range of opportunities to participate in high quality physical education and extra-curricular sport. The school should show a continued commitment to school-club links.

2007 winner - Farlingaye High School

The Spirit of the Games Award: A team or individual involved in this year's Suffolk Youth Games who epitomises the event's ethos of participation, enjoyment and fair play.

2007 winner - Curtis Eyres (Forest Heath)

The Nemisys Enterprises Ltd Innovative Project Award: A project run by an individual, club or community. This could be a project that is new to the area, has led to increased participation within different groups of society, attracted funding for new facilities/equipment or created new links between organisations.

2007 winner - Lashings Event

The closing date for nominations is September 4, 2008. If you have any queries regarding nominations please contact Chloe McMorran, sports development officer (Projects) 07770 543509 or e-mail chloe.mcmorran@waveney.gov.uk

Electronic copies of the entry form can be downloaded by going to www.suffolksport.com