The search is on for Carmarthenshire’s sporting heroes - not just those that have achieved success in their field, but those that go the extra mile to ensure sport is available to everyone in our communities.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards is back, providing a special opportunity to recognise and celebrate sporting talent from sportsmen and women, dedicated coaches and committed volunteers.

And following the upheaval of the pandemic - which all but stopped sport for so many for so long - there will be special recognition for individuals, teams and clubs who inspired others and overcame adversity to keep active during lockdown.

Winners will be announced in a special ceremony in February 2022.

Entries are now open, and people can nominate their sporting heroes in up to 12 categories, including community sports coach of the year, team of the year, disability sports, and outstanding services to sport.

Athletes, coaches and volunteers can be nominated for more than one award, but they must have been born in Carmarthenshire, live in Carmarthenshire or representing a county club or school.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Actif Sir Gâr team are organising the awards as part of their focus on helping people improve their wellbeing and live active lives, whether just for enjoyment or at elite level.

Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Culture Sport and Tourism, said: “The Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards gives us an opportunity celebrate and thank all those that work and train hard for their own success or to encourage and inspire others. The pandemic knocked sports sideways - but despite that we still saw individuals training alone, creating their own set-ups at home during lockdown, or carrying out online activities to help keep others fit and well.

“We always enjoy these awards, but this one will be extra special. We look forward to seeing the inspiring, and often moving, nominations coming through. Even more so, we look forward to the ceremony when we can shine a spotlight on our local heroes.

“Helping people to keep fit and active and supporting healthy communities is one of the council’s major priorities. We couldn’t achieve this aim if were not for the support of so many people in our communities, and they deserve to be recognised.”

Find out more about the Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards and make a nomination, at www.actif.wales/sport-awards-2021/