THE brand new Energise Me Awards 2017 are open now for nominations.

Local people are being encouraged to nominate their unsung heroes and sporting talent to be in with a chance of winning one of 11 award categories.

With the focus on celebrating the achievements and dedication of our local heroes across so many different sports and activities, the awards publicly reward and recognise the commitment, performance and excellence across all sports and physical activity.

The wide range of categories ensures that recognition is given to elite performers, as well as teams, clubs and supporters of the local sporting community, the coaches, officials and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help athletes and clubs succeed and get people active.

Having hosted the Awards evening for a number of years, now an independent charity, Energise Me are excited to be inviting nominations again this year with winners being announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday March 30 at Southampton Football Club.

People of all ages and walks of life are encouraged to get involved – and perhaps one day have the chance to join the prestigious list of nominees.

Nominations are free and open until Tuesday January 31.

It is by the online nomination forms which are on the Energise Me website, energiseme.org, where you can also find nomination guidelines and the criteria for each of the awards.