As the Olympic Games gets under way in Rio, it’s time to also celebrate the successes of Medway’s home-grown sporting heroes.

Nominations are open for the Medway Sports Awards, Medway’s gala celebration of local sporting success.

From clubs, teams and individuals to coaches, volunteers and teachers, the awards shine a light on the achievements of Medway’s finest sportsmen and women.

Previous award winners have included Paralympic gold medal winning skier Charlotte Evans, plus rugby star Rachael Burford and trampolinist Kat Driscoll, who are both currently in Rio.

The awards were last held in 2014 and after picking up the main award, Evans said: “I’m proud to be from Medway. I’ve been at these awards before as a child and watched people go up and collect them so to have gone and won an award myself is brilliant.”

Nominations in any of the 11 categories can be made from now until the closing date of October 28. Shortlisted nominees will then be invited to a glitzy presentation dinner on Friday, December 16, at Mid Kent College, Gillingham, when gold, silver and bronze awards will be presented to the judges’ chosen winners.

The Medway Sports Awards are organised by Medway Council in association with the University of Kent and our media partner, the Medway Messenger.

The categories are Junior Club of the Year, Club of the Year, Junior Team of the Year, Team of the Year, Primary School Team of the Year, Secondary School Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, Unsung Hero of the Year, Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year.

Nominations can be made at www.medway.gov.uk/sportsawards, where you can also find more information about the categories and judging criteria.