LANCASHIRE Sport Partnership will prove the old adage that sport is not just about winning or losing, but about taking part, when the finalists of the Lancashire Sports Awards are announced in January.

The prestigious awards, which are sponsored by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, will see people of all ages and abilities recognised gain recognition for their contribution to local sport.

Local authorities in East Lancashire have already rewarded coaches, volunteers, individual players and teams as part of the local heats.

Adrian Leather, chief executive of Lancashire Sport Partnership, said: “The Lancashire Sports Awards are now in their 13th thirteenth year and this year we wanted to ensure that as many people as possible were involved to demonstrate the extraordinary level of participation throughout the county.

“Lancashire has a rich history of sporting excellence and that begins at grass roots level.

“ However, these awards don’t just recognise the sports heroes of the future, they also reward the people who take time out of their busy lives week after week to help others benefit from playing sport and organisations that engage with their local community and help people get active.”

Trophies will be awarded across eight categories, including Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Adult Volunteer of the Year, School of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Service to Disability Sport and the Sir Tom Finney Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Sport enhances health and wellbeing and enriches communities and we are delighted that there has been such a high level of nominations across all the local authorities,” said Adrian.

The Lancashire Sports Awards will be announced at a celebratory awards dinner on Friday, January 16, at The Hilton Hotel, Blackpool. To find out m More online at about the awards visit www.lancashiresportsawards.co.uk.