THE Bradford Sports Awards have been launched – now it's over to you!

As reported in yesterday's T&A, Active Bradford unveiled the inaugural event this week, ahead a glitzy bash at The Bradford Hotel on Thursday, February 25 2016.

This prestigious event will celebrate the achievements of Bradford's sporting heroes in 2015, from the city's professional clubs and future stars in the making through to the grassroots volunteers who make sport happen every day across the area.

Former Bantams star, and awards chairman, Wayne Jacobs officially opened the nominations period at the launch, and immediately laid down a challenge to the people of Bradford - get nominating!

He said: "We've dropped the pebble in the pond with the launch of the awards – now we need the ripples to come, and we're asking for the public's support to help spread the word by whatever means they can.

"We want the people of Bradford to know that we are a city that celebrates positives.

"I look back on my own career in professional sport and there were volunteers when I was younger who gave up their time and ran junior teams who deserved recognition.

"I'm sure most youngsters and their parents know people just like that, and we want them to put those volunteers and coaches forward.

"There are also the young sporting stars as well – there are so many people that deserve to be recognised for their work, and it's Bradford's job to do that."

He added: "It goes right up from the volunteers and coaches at grass-roots level up to the professionals playing for City of the Bulls.

"We just think it's a great time to launch these awards and recognise our sporting stars at all levels."

The 18 awards up for grabs are split across five main categories:

Senior Achievers (over 18): Sportsman; Sportswoman, Disability Sportsperson; Club/Team – Non-Professional; Club/Team.

Young Achievers (Under 18): Young Male Sportsperson; Young Female Sportsperson; Young Disability Sportsperson; Young Club/Team.

Active Achievers: Active Organisation/Workplace; Active School; Student Sport – Sportsperson; Student Sport – Club/Team.

Outstanding Contribution: Coach; Volunteer; Sporting Highlight; Special Recognition.

Main Sponsor Award: Provident Community Award.

Nominations close on Sunday, December 13 at 11.59pm, and the finalists will be announced shortly after this deadline.

For more details, and to make your nominations, visit www.activebradford.co.uk/bsa