SPORTS clubs which form the beating heart of their community, and the players and coaches who keep them ticking, are being nominated for an award that would send them to the heights of Welsh sporting fame.

Over the last seven years, Denbighshire County Council (DCC) has awarded more than 80 individuals, teams, schools and clubs for their dedication to community grassroots sports. These include elite-level athletes who have represented Wales and Team GB.

Nominations are now open for the Denbighshire Community Sport Awards 2019. The finalists will be forwarded to the BBC Wales Sports Personality Awards in Cardiff, where Denbighshire will be looking to add to the success of its eight finalists and six winners.

This year’s categories include sports performer, junior sports performer, coach of the year, team of the year, volunteer of the year, disability sport award, young inspiration award, lifetime achievement award and the sport in school award.

Jamie Groves, DCC head of facilities, assets and housing, said: “The Denbighshire Community Sport awards have helped recognise and share some amazing stories. This proves the quality of sport in Denbighshire is very high and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to return to playing or try a new sport as a beginner.”

Nominees must reside in Denbighshire, or be affiliated to a Denbighshire club relevant to their nomination, having achieved their success in the last 12 months up to the application closing date on August 1.

Nominations can be made online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/sportsawards

DCC’s leisure service is also looking for organisations that want link their brand to the Community Sport awards as a category sponsor. For more information, contact Sian Bennett, DCC health and wellbeing manager, by calling 01824 712710 or email sian.bennett@denbighshire.gov.uk