TIME is running out for youngsters in Kent wishing to enter the 2005 OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year competition.

Aim of the awards scheme is to support promising youngsters across the country in a wide range of disciplines at a time when they are unknown and often struggling financially.

The awards began in 1998, when OCS finished its sponsorship of cricketer Mark Butcher after seeing him progress from Surrey’s 2nd X1 to England captain.

The company was keen to keep sponsoring sportspeople and decided to put its money where it could help people the most.

Instead of supporting established and successful athletes, the company chose to

support promising youngsters under the age of 18.

The overall winner receives their regional winner’s cheque for £2,500, and the national

winner’s cheque for £3,000, plus a one year sponsorship of £5,000.

An award of £2,500 is made to the school, college or club of the national winner for the sole purpose of purchasing sports equipment.

Each year 400 entries from the UK’s top young athletes are received. The deadline for entries is July 31 2005. Interviews will take place in September and October, with the announcement of the regional winners made in mid-October.

Application forms can be ordered or filled in online at

www.ocsyoungsportsperson.co.uk