A MAJOR venue is inviting people to share their "uplifting" stories of sporting heroes.

York Racecourse will host this year's Community Pride Awards ceremony.

And the organisation, which sponsors the Sporting Hero category in the awards, is also encouraging residents to nominate people who go the extra mile for their team or club.

The accolade is presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to local sport, and nominations are open for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

James Brennan, a spokesman for York Racecourse, said: “The Community Pride Awards is a perfect combination for us. It does sport, which obviously we are. We are very much part of the community. We have been here since 1731 and are proud of being part of the community and these awards.

“I think it is a chance to recognise people such as sporting coaches or organisers. It is an opportunity to shout out for the unsung heroes.”

James said he has seen how much it means to people to win the prize at previous Community Pride Award ceremonies.

He added: “It is a great night. It is people who have not won awards before. It’s a new stage for them, and a big night out. That moment on the stage, you can see what it means to them.

“Sporting Hero is quite an uplifting category. Some of the other ones are quite emotionally charged, such as Child of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. The atmosphere in the room reflects that. There are cheers and sometimes there are tears.

“We are delighted to be part of it once again. We are looking forward to it.”

The winner of the Sporting Hero award last year was Phil Sanderson, who helped set up junior football club Hamilton Panthers in 1988 with a group of friends.

The Community Pride Awards are run by The Press in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden. All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN. Or submit your nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride. The closing date for entries is July 27.

Nominations must include a supporting statement and may include a photograph, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.