IT might seem a daft thing to say, but sport is supposed to be something you do, not just something you watch on TV.

We have no problem with watching a great FA cup tie or Wimbledon final on the box. But that’s a pretty poor substitute for getting out there on the field, pitch or court yourself and raising a sweat.

There are few things to rival the thrill, the exhilaration, the excitement of a closely fought tennis match or a thundering game of football. And it doesn’t matter what level you are playing at – it’s the taking part, the thrill of trying to win, that counts.

Apart from anything else, it is great for your health: no small thing in this age of expanding waistlines and couch-potato lifestyles.

For all these reasons, we’re delighted to be supporting the Active York Sports Awards again. The awards were revived last year, and proved massively popular. They are a chance to celebrate real sporting achievement in York – whether that involves going on to national or international success, or making a real contribution to your local club or team.

This year there will be a host of awards up for grabs when the winners are announced on April 18. Categories include sportsman and woman of the year; young sportsman and woman; disabled sportsperson; club/ team of the year; coach of the year; volunteer of the year; and active school of the year.

Nominations are open now – so if you know of someone you think would be a deserving winner, do put their name forward.

But better still: get out there and start raising a sweat yourself, in whatever sport you choose. You’ll have great fun – and you’ll feel a lot better and healthier, too.