Time to honour our sporting champions

And six years on, The Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Awards are bigger and better than ever.

Backed by the Express & Star, the awards aim to highlight the amazing work carried out by volunteers and sportsmen and women across the region.

Organisers are now calling for people to come forward and nominate their sporting heroes for the awards, which take place in November.

Once a year, the awards aim to recognise those who play their part in making the Black Country a hot bed of sport talent.

• See also: Winning ways celebrated

Whether it is a coach getting up at the crack of dawn to perfect the preparation for a training session, or a sportsman or woman who has excelled in their field over the last year, there is a category for everyone who does their bit to be honoured.

The awards were set up by the Black Country BeActive Partnership, after partnership director Simon Hall had a brainwave to celebrate sporting talent in the area. The partnership covers Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley, and has teamed up with the local councils to honour those who give their all to support the event.

The cream of the sporting crop come now come together to pay thanks to the commitment, dedication and hard work to coaches, schools and clubs who play their part in getting the community involved in sport.

Mr Hall said: "Every year we hear fantastic stories from individuals and organisations that have in turn inspired more people to get involved in sport. The Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Awards show that we are up there with some of the top sport areas in the country and we are doing our bit to 'Inspire a Black Country Generation to be Active.'"

The awards have recognised the work by local athletes who have taken the Black Country to every corner of the world, as well as local unsung heroes.

Last year's Sportsperson of the Year was Jodie Stimpson, the Oldbury-born triathlete who is currently second in the World Triathlon Series.

She said: "I am Black Country born and bred and proud to say I come from the Black Country so when won the Black Country Sportsperson of the Year award last year I was over the moon. It meant a lot to get the award and be recognised for my sport, but to get it from my home means a lot."

Dr Raj Joshi, chairman of the Black Country BeActive Partnership Board, said: "This is my first year of involvement in the Black Country Sport & Physical Activity Awards and I have heard nothing but good comments on the previous years' celebrations.

"Being Black Country born and bred, I am really looking forward to hearing the inspirational stories of this year's finalists."