A winning chance to celebrate Dacorum's many sport heroes

From history-maker Max Whitlock’s Olympic exploits, to Jessica Stretton’s Paralympic gold heroics, and via countless other stars of all ages in our sports pages, it has been a superb year.

And now it is time to celebrate our sportting legacy again, with the 2017 Dacorum Sports Awards.

The competition is being run by Sportspace Dacorum Sports Trust, with the full support of the Gazette.

And it is not just about the champion sportsmen and women – the awards are also a chance to shine for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Amanda Colwill, head of sport of Sportspace, said “We have a huge amount of sporting talent locally and the awards enable us to acknowledge and highlight this.

“The Sports Awards help us improve awareness of Sport in Dacorum, and encourages more people to get involved and to be more active.”

Gazette content editor Ben Raza added: “This is always a highlight of the year for us and I hope for our readers too.

“We have so many superb competitors, coaches, volunteers, clubs and supporters for our sports scene and this is an opportunity to celebrate what they do.

“So don’t be shy – get your nominations in and let’s ensure that this is an Olympic-quality celebration.”

Closing date for nominations this year’s nomination is Friday, March 31. And the awards will be presented at a special event on Friday, May 19, at Little Hay Golf Complex.