THERE’S still time to recognise sporting achievement in the town.

But you need to be quick as the closing date for this year’s Farnham Sports Awards is looming large.

Nominations are still open – via the Active Surrey website – for the 11 categories, but that window will close on Sunday (October 20).

After the annual showpiece of what’s special about local sport, award winners from all participating towns and districts in the county go forward for shortlisting to the Surrey Sports Awards, where Farnham has enjoyed unrivalled success in recent years.

Marion Stockley, Secretary of the Farnham Sports Council, said: “There are so many talented and high-achieving sports men, women, boys and girls in Farnham that we’d love to give them the recognition they deserve.

“There are also categories for successful sports teams and clubs, as well as coaches, disabled sports people, and those who give great service to local sport.

The biggest provider of community sport and recreation opportunities in the Farnham area are the local sports clubs, and each year many nominations come from clubs who wish to highlight the achievements of the club or the special people in their club.

David Gill, sports council chairman, said: “We are very lucky in our area, the clubs – and the people who run them – are just amazing. Our local community would ultimately be so much poorer without them, so this is our chance to recognise those who’ve done well or who make a difference.”

Chris Lee, president of Farnham Swimming Club, highlighted the importance of nominating.

“Our club has enjoyed being a part of the Farnham Sports Awards initiative for many years and many of our swimmers and volunteers have been recognised,” he said.

“We are proud to say that the club has in the past, on the back of a Farnham Club of the Year award, gone on to be a main winner at the Surrey Sports Awards. This has given the club a much higher profile and a great feel-good factor.

“My advice to those who have someone or something in mind that fits any of the categories is to go for it.

“Past winners of the category for the Farnham Sports Personality of the Year have included the cricketer Graham Thorpe, rugby player Jonny Wilkinson, and Paralympian Rachel Morris.”

One of the Farnham judges, Sue Keogh, said the standard of nominations was always high in Farnham, but the judging panel would welcome applications in respect of any deserving individual, team or club.

Mrs Keogh added: “When completing the form online on the Active Surrey website, please be sure you follow the criteria set out by Active Surrey as closely as possible, it’s simply designed to be fair and do justice to all nominations.

“I’d like to stress that it’s a quick and easy process and all worthy entries will be acknowledged at the Farnham Sports Awards evening in November, it’s a great occasion.”

To nominate, visit the website activesurrey.com. The Farnham Sports Awards will be held on Monday, November 25, at Farnham Rugby Club.