Nominations are now open for the 2021 Active Wandsworth Awards.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 4 hosted by reporter, journalist and Sky Sports TV presenter Emma Paton at the Wandsworth Civic Suite.

The importance of sport and physical activity to physical and mental health has become even more significant against the backdrop of the pandemic and lockdowns.

This year's Active Wandsworth Awards will recognise members of the Wandsworth community for their talent, commitment and dedication in inspiring others to get active and stay active over the last year.

The annual awards celebrate and acknowledge the talented local sportspeople, coaches, volunteers, schools, organisations and clubs for their devotion to helping local people achieve their goals.

They are run by Active Wandsworth, a partnership between Wandsworth Council, Enable Leisure and Culture and other key organisations including Places Leisure, Roehampton University and Healthwatch.

Cabinet member for community services and open spaces Cllr Steffi Sutters said: "It's great news that the Active Wandsworth Awards are back and helping to showcase the amazing sporting talents we have in the borough and the work they do to inspire others.

"Sports activities and regular exercise are vital in staying fit and healthy, not just in terms of physical health but in mental wellbeing too, so we are inviting nominations to this year's awards across the many different categories to help recognise and celebrate the wonderful work that is happening across our borough."

Emma Paton said, "These awards are important because they recognise local people and organisations for their selfless dedication and commitment as well as some hugely significant achievements by amazing athletes and young people.

"I am really looking forward to presenting the Awards in Wandsworth and learning more about this year's nominees."

Categories include; Volunteer, and Junior Volunteer of the Year, Active School of the Year, Sportsperson and Junior Sportsperson of the Year and The Mayor's Award which recognises how an individual, organisation or project has increased opportunities for disabled people in Wandsworth to participate in sport or physical activity.

To nominate click here and complete the form by Sunday, January 16.