The BBC Power of Sport Award
Do you know of a sports project or initiative that has developed sport in your local community?
Something that really has changed people's lives?.. Then the BBC would like to hear from you!
The BBC Power of Award, supported by Sport England, will be made to a sports project or initiative that is making a real impact and involving your local community and an Award will be made in all 12 BBC regions.
This is an award that will recognise projects or initiatives that are sustainable, have increased the take-up of sport, or perhaps addressed the drop-off in sport participation after school age.
How each project has addressed the needs of young people and under-represented groups in sport such as disabled people, black and minority ethnic groups, people on low incomes and older people over 45 will also be important.
For the past couple of years the Award has been given out in the West Midlands. In 2007 it was won by the Telford Sports, Learning and Enterprise Community.
This is a sports hub using the power of sport to make positive differences to people living in Telford & Wrekin by putting inclusion, education and health at its core and focus.
Then last year the award was scooped by Active Meadowlands in Coventry, a project originally developed to provide a focus for the physical and social regeneration of the Radford Diamond neighbourhood of Coventry.
An essential element in each case was that the local community became more involved in sport as a result of the project.
BBC English Regions Controller David Holdsworth says "Sport is a powerful social force in our communities, helping to improve and inspire people to achieve great things.
"The BBC is delighted to be associated with this Award, and look forward to sharing some of the stories with our audiences on TV, radio and online".
So if you know of a similar initiative in your area, get nominating.
The regional judging panels will be made up of both BBC and independent sports experts.
The closing date is Monday 2nd November
