Previous winners joined Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson to mark the opening of 17 award categories recognising contributions made by local athletes, volunteers and clubs in encouraging individuals to be active.

This non-profit event is presented by the Active Aberdeen Partnership, a collective of key sport and physical activity organisations in Aberdeen who together are actively promoting sport, physical activity and health opportunities within the city.

The 2017 awards will include revamped categories in line with the Sport Scotland annual awards. Mr Dawson today urged people across Aberdeen to get involved and pay tribute to the “silent cheerleaders” of sport who often go unnoticed.

Commenting, Active Aberdeen Partnership Chairman Tony Dawson said:

“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the silent cheerleaders of sport in our community.

“It might be the volunteer who spends every weekend refereeing your community football team, or the talented athlete on your street who inspires your own children to get out and get active.

“Aberdeen’s Sports Awards celebrates the city’s wealth of sporting talent and acknowledges the many facilities, clubs, coaches and volunteers that enable participation across the city.

“This non-profit event is a fantastic representation of the work of the Active Aberdeen Partnership, and I would urge everyone to get involved.

“There is still time to sponsor some of our categories, so I would also urge any business or individual looking to support community sport to get in touch to find out more about they can get involved.”

Sara Paterson, Head coach to Aberdeen Synchronized ice skating club and Team Zariba, said:

“As a club we have been involved with Aberdeen’s Sports Awards since its initiation. It’s always a fantastic night that brings all the sports in the city together.

“It’s always amazing to hear other people’s stories and accomplishments. I was lucky enough to be awarded coach of year last year and it really was an honour. It’s so nice to be recognised for the work we do all year.”

Kieran Henderson who won Junior Sports Coach of the Year for volunteering as a football coach with AFCCT, said:

“Winning the Young Coach of the Year award last year was a great experience. It gave me extra confidence and opened up amazing opportunities.

“It’s a great way to recognise the fantastic work going in the city, and I am honoured to still be working hard and developing as a coach. Hopefully this years’ Awards will help other people in the same way they helped and inspired me last year.”

Hannah Gray, 2016 Junior Female Achiever of the Year winner, also commented:

“Aberdeen’s Sports Awards were really inspirational and it was great meeting many Olympians who have done amazing things in their sports. The awards raise great awareness of sports that aren’t often as popular and highlight the people who do amazing things in the community who aren’t always recognised.”

The closing date for applications is 25th August 2017. Click here for more information and the list of categories.