Nominations for the 2010 Oxfordshire Sports Awards open in ten days time – with the Oxford Mail this year’s official media partner.

The 2010 event at the Kassam Stadium on Friday, November 26 is set to be the biggest and best yet as we hunt for the top performers across the county.

And we need you to get behind the sporting stars in Oxfordshire who have excelled on the local, national or international stage over the past year.

From Monday, September 6, you will be able to nominate in 11 categories – one of which is new – and explain just why you feel someone deserves recognition.

Mike Walker, chairman of the Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the fifth Oxfordshire Sports Awards will shortly be open for nominations and know that we will see deserved winners with fantastic talent, enthusiasm, dedication and commitment in the county.

“There are hundreds of people in Oxfordshire who are achieving outstanding results and who dedicate much of their time to developing sports clubs, sport talent and helping people get more active.

“We want you to nominate these people, so that we can showcase these achievements, it is our chance to say congratulations and a massive thank you for their efforts.”

Oxford Mail sports editor Mark Edwards added: “We are pleased to give our backing to the awards, and hope to help make this year’s event the biggest and best yet.”

Last year’s two main categories – the sportsman and sportswoman of the year – were won by Oxfordshire cricketer Keith Arnold and Oxford City athlete Hannah England.

The new category this year is the active inspiration award.

To download a nomination form and to find out more information on nomination categories, criteria guidelines and ticket sales please visit oxfordshiresport.org.

Alternatively email info@oxfordshiresport.org or call 01865 252676.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Thursday, September 30.

A shortlist will then be announced for the awards evening on November 26.

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Club of the Year

Coach of the Year

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Junior Sports Team of the Year

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Junior Unsung Hero

Sports Team of the Year

Sportsman of the Year

Sportswoman of the Year

Unsung Hero

Active Inspiration Award – new category for an outstanding individual who has changed their lives through sport and/or active recreation.