Published on:
07
January 2013
The search is on to find Clackmannanshire's Citizen of the Year, but time is running out for nominations.
Do you know someone who would be worthy of a nomination for the prestigious award? We are looking for a person who has done so much either in the past year or over many years to help out the local community, or has been there for others in times of need - there are so many people who would be excellent nominees.
The closing date for nominations for your choice to be in with a chance of winning the glittering civic accolade is Friday 18th, with the winner due to be announced at the Clackmannanshire Awards Ceremony in Alloa Town Hall on 21st February.
And for the first time, we will are also looking for a Young Citizen of the Year in a brand new category.
This is the tenth year the Provost of Clackmannanshire will host the joint awards ceremony to recognise the dedication and commitment that local people and groups have made to help improve the quality of life throughout the county.
As the deadline approaches, the Council is keen to give people a final opportunity to nominate individuals who have given their time and energy - on a voluntary basis - to benefit local communities and make life so much more comfortable.
Provost Tina Murphy said: "Throughout Clackmannanshire there are many individuals who are giving their time to help benefit others, often with little or no recognition. And for many of them, they tend to shy away from the limelight. But these awards are not just about recognising their tremendous efforts within the community, but a way of the people of Clackmannanshire to say thank you.
"In my role as Provost I hear of lots of achievements and I am amazed at just how much of the preparation and support is provided by volunteers. I do hope that people will see the Citizen of the Year as an opportunity to highlight the efforts of those they come in contact with.
"I would urge them to nominate them. This is the 10th year of the award ceremony, so let us make it an extra special one.
"I'm also delighted that we have created a new category of Young Citizen of the Year, targeted specifically at people under the age of 25 years on or before 1st January, 2013. There are many young people that deserve to be recognised for their bravery, achievements or kind acts. Anyone who knows someone who deserves such recognition should nominate them as soon as possible."
The current Citizen of the Year is David Hunter who received the title in recognition of his decades of voluntary service to groups and organisations in Clackmannanshire.
Nominations are also still being sought in other categories in the Clackmannanshire Awards, which are run in conjunction with Clackmannanshire Sports Council. The Council's staff awards will also be presented on the night.
The Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding ability, dedication and achievement in sport over the past year. An award for Services to Sport is also handed out to an individual who has given exceptional voluntary service over many years and made a difference to sport in Clackmannanshire.
This is presented by the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils in conjunction with Sportscotland. There will also be an award for Coach of the Year, in honour of Enid Barton who served the Sports Council for more than 20 years and continues to be an honorary member. Awards will also be given in the categories of: Junior Sports Personality of the Year; Senior Sports Personality of the Year; Team of the Year and School Team of the Year; and Triumph Over Adversity.
And for the second time, the Sports Council will also name a Young Volunteer of the Year in a category sponsored by Steven Campbell. This award is for any young person who is a Young Leader / Volunteer who is involved in any form of sport, exercise or physical activity.
This could be for example, volunteering or coaching at a sports club; young leaders at schools who help with sport events or after school clubs; or any young people in the community who are involved in local groups which incorporate sport or exercise into their meetings. Last year's winner was Alison MacFarlane from Alloa Academy.
Nomination forms for the three awards are available from all Council offices. To nominate an individual or group for outstanding service to the community complete a form and return it to Provost Tina Murphy at Greenfield.