THE inaugural Romsey and District Sports Awards have been launched to celebrate the region’s sporting talent.

Twelve categories provide the opportunity for anyone involved in sport to be recognised for their input and/or achievements in 2014.

Individuals/clubs can nominate as many teams or individuals as they like in any appropriate category, from today until October 25.

The awards night will take place at Crossfield Hall, Romsey on Saturday, November 8, and is being organised by Valley Leisure, which runs The Rapids in Romsey, in partnership with The Romsey Advertiser, The Daily Echo and David Wilson Homes.

Valley Leisure already hosts the successful Andover and District Sports Awards, and expects the Romsey event to be just as popular.

Kevin Paterson, chief executive for Valley Leisure, said: “The event will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talented sportspeople who live in and around Romsey.

“There is always a great buzz around the Andover awards, and we can’t wait to bring that excitement to Romsey too.”

The award categories are: Junior Team of the Year, Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Junior Disability Sportsperson, School Team of the Year, Disability Sportsperson, Team of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Veteran Sportsperson, Lifetime Contribution and Outstanding Personal Achievement.

All of those shortlisted will receive a certificate while the winners will be awarded a trophy and a cash prize.

Nominations can be completed online at valleyleisure.com/romsey-sports-awards or by sending a nomination form by post to Romsey & District Sports Awards, Romsey Rapids, Southampton Road, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8AF.

The Junior Team and Junior Sportsperson categories are open to non-disabled and disabled nominees but entrants for these two awards must all be under 18 years of age on January 1, 2015. The School Team of the Year is open to secondary and primary schools.

Those competing at Veterans/Masters level within their recognised sport are eligible for the Veteran Sportsperson category.

The Lifetime Contribution Award is for someone who has contributed significantly to their sport/club for a minimum of ten years.

An individual of any age, who is a participant, coach or volunteer, is qualified for the Outstanding Personal Achievement category. This award will be given to someone who has overcome adversity in their chosen sport.

Nomination forms will be sent to the region’s sports clubs and are available at Romsey Rapids.