NOMINATIONS have opened for the fifth Bradford Sports Awards, which will be held at Valley Parade on Thursday, March 12 next year.

Run by Active Bradford, the awards celebrate the achievements of players, coaches, administrators and volunteers from across all levels of sport throughout the district in 2019.

Nineteen awards across four categories will recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, volunteers and organisations at every level of sport in Bradford.

Chairman of Active Bradford Wayne Jacobs said: “The Bradford Sports Awards celebrates the achievements and efforts of all ages and mixed abilities in the district right from volunteers, active workplaces, active schools, communities, amateur sporting clubs to the professional.

“The awards are a big celebration about everything that’s good about sport and physical activity in our district.”

The former Bantams player was joined by City striker Clayton Donaldson and Bulls prop Ross Peltier to launch the awards at Valley Parade. They were joined by some of last year's award winners - Ella Curtis, Great Horton Church Cricket Club youngsters and Bradford City Disability FC Ladies.

Last year's sportsman of the year award was won by Haworth's bike trials star Jack Carthy, who won his third consecutive UCI World Trials Championship.

The sportswoman of the year was Keighley-born Natalie Haythornthwaite, who was part of the England netball team who pipped Australia to win Commonwealth gold.

One of the awards on offer focuses on the accomplishments of people who have made changes to their lifestyle and now enjoy being more physically active.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for healthy people and healthy places, backs the awards.

She said: “Everyone can be inspired by the achievements of those who have previously been nominated for a Bradford Sports Award; whether it is for their personal achievement or while demonstrating great sporting success.

“We are lucky to have people representing our district at all levels of sport and in a wide range of activities.

“I am sure this year’s nominations will be of a high standard again and will encourage others to get more involved in sport in the district.”

Members of the public are encouraged to nominate their club, family, school, event, coach or even workplace for the opportunity to have their accomplishments highlighted.

Nominations are open from today until December 15 and can be made online at www.activebradford.com/bsa.

The period of qualification is from January 1 to December 15 of this year. To be eligible, nominees must have been born, resided, trained or represented an organisation within Bradford Council boundaries.

AWARD CATEGORIES

YOUNG ACHIEVERS (UNDER 18)

Young Male Sportsperson/Young Female Sportsperson, Young Disability Sportsperson, Young Club/Team

SENIOR ACHIEVERS (OVER 18)

Sportsman/Sportswoman, Disability Sportsperson, Club/Team, Club/Team (Amateur)

ACTIVE ACHIEVERS

Active Lifestyle Award, Active Workplace, Active School, Student Sport – Club/Team

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

Coach, Volunteer, Teacher, Sporting Highlight, Special Recognition