NOMINATIONS for the prestigious Devon Sports Awards opened this week.

Active Devon and The Exeter Foundation who organise the event are expecting a deluge of nominations from clubs, coaches and fans given the increase in sports participation, success of Devon athletes and focus on sport over the last 12 months.

The awards celebrate not only the players, but the clubs and teams, the coaches, the officials and the volunteers who help performers to succeed. This year will also introduce Professional Sports Person of the Year and Professional Club of the Year categories for the first time in the awards 10 year history.

There are 11 categories in total: The categories for nomination are: sports performer of the year (amateur); coach of the year (senior); volunteer of the year (senior); club of the year (amateur); team of the year; sports performer of the year (professional); coach of the year (youth); volunteer of the year (youth); club of the year (professional) and contribution to inclusive sport.

Active Devon chief executive, Matt Evans said: '2012 has been a fantastic year for sport at all levels. You have just got to look at the vibrancy of local community sport and at the number of Devonians involved, in whatever role, in the London 2012 Games to see the contribution which local people make to sport.

'Whether it is as performers, coaches, volunteers and officials we are extremely proud of their achievements. The Devon Sports Awards is our opportunity for those contributions to be recognised. Especially this year we feel sure that there are plenty of achievements worthy of a nomination to the Devon Sports Awards.'

Award organisers are urging sports clubs, players, officials and coaches across the county to make their nominations for the 2013 Devon Sports Awards before the closing date of 12pm Friday, March 1, 2013.

The new format nomination form can be downloaded from http://www.activedevon.org/awards2013">www.activedevon.org/awards2013 and either printed out and posted in, or completed online and emailed to Active Devon.

n To nominate visit http://www.activedevon.org/awards2013">www.activedevon.org/awards2013 to complete an online nomination form or to print a copy. For any queries contact the Active Devon Office on 01392 263674 or email [email protected]">[email protected]