The race is on to get your nominations in for this year’s Youth Sport Achievement Awards.

The awards, supported by the Kent Messenger, recognise young people in Maidstone who have made an impression in sport. Nominations are open until December 31.

Maidstone council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, Cllr Brian Moss, said: “If you know someone who deserves this award then hurry and get your nomination in.

“There are hundreds of talented youngsters in Maidstone and it’s up to you, the public, to make sure they are rewarded. This ceremony is a big occasion in the borough and your nominations will make a difference.”

The awards ceremony, held annually, is the biggest celebration of sporting achievement in Maidstone, recognising the borough’s up and coming sporting stars, some of which may be the ones to look out for in 2012.

All you have to do is put forward the name of the person you want to win an award. Simply call the Sports, Play and Youth development team on 01622 602222 or log onto www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk/sports .

The presentation ceremony will be held at Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre, on Friday, January 30, 2008.

Individual and team awards are presented in two categories – Junior, for 15 years and under, and Senior, for 16-21 years. There is also an award for Outstanding Youth Service to Sport (for people under 21), the KM Service to Youth Sport (for those over 21) and the Outstanding Personal Achievement Award, for those athletes that may have difficulties in participating in their chosen sport. All nominees will be eligible for a training grant, sponsored by The Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent.

The awards are sponsored by Serco (Maidstone Leisure Centre), Personnel Health & Safety Consultants, Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent, Hubble and Freeman, Astor of Hever School Sports Partnership and Mid Kent School Sports Partnership and the Kent Messenger Group.

The Maidstone Borough Council’s Sports, Play and Youth Development Team has limited funding to offer support to coaches wishing to further their qualifications. Grants will be awarded to coaches who are qualified at level 2 or above. Successful grants will be awarded at the Youth Sport Achievement Awards.