Pfizer has signed up to sponsor the 2009 Disabled Sportsperson of the Year presentation at the inaugural Thanet Sports Awards. by Martin Jefferies

mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

With only days to go until nominations close for the inaugural Thanet Sports Awards, last minute nominations are sought in no fewer than 11 different categories.

Organisers are looking for potential winners of the Club of the Year, Coach of the Year, Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, Individual Sporting Achievement, Long Service, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Unsung Hero, Young Sportsperson of the Year and Young Team of the Year awards.

The new ceremony has been organised by the Thanet Sport Network, a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations who work together to increase sporting opportunities in Thanet.

It is designed to showcase local sporting talent and achievement across all ages, abilities and the full range of sports.

Interest in the awards has been unprecedented, with a huge number of entry forms received and several local businesses and organisations stepping forward to support the event.

Warren Reeves, head of operations at Thanet Leisureforce, which is part of the Thanet Sport Network and has provided the Winter Gardens free of charge for the event, said: "It's great for our local sporting figures to gain the recognition they deserve.

"An immense amount of work goes into sport in Thanet both in terms of the commitment needed to participate and the behind the scenes dedication of our coaches, volunteers, parents and providers."

He added: "We're all looking forward to a great night in which we can, as a community, celebrate achievements at all levels. This is a great opportunity and something that Thanet should be very proud of."

In addition to the Thanet Sports Awards, the Thanet Sport Network has helped organise 36 days of sporting activities this summer, culminating in the Family Summer Slam event at Hartsdown Park, Margate, in August.

Sports on offer ranged from athletics and cricket to volleyball and dancing. Daring contestants even lined up for tug of war.

Thanet Extra and kmfm for Thanet are official media partners of the 2009 awards. kmfm breakfast DJ Johnny Lewis will be compering the show itself on Wednesday, November 11.

Nomination forms for all 11 awards are available from Thanet District Council offices in Cecil Street, Margate; Thanet Extra offices in Northdown Road, Cliftonville; Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Hartsdown Road, Margate; and Ramsgate Sports Centre, High Street, Ramsgate.

An online version can be downloaded fromwww.thanetextra.co.uk/nominateand fromwww.thanet.gov.uk/sport.

Closing date for nominations is Friday September 11.