They are the volunteer coaches who run our sports groups and the youngsters who give it their all to be the best.

Eastern Daily Press: Wimbledon tennis champion Alfie Hewett. Picture : ANTONY KELLYWimbledon tennis champion Alfie Hewett. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

This year's Norfolk Sports Awards aim to celebrate the very best sporting talent the county has to offer.

Now in its 11th year, the event gives people the opportunity to nominate individuals who and organisations who they feel deserve recognition for their contribution to Norfolk sport.

It finishes with a prestigious award ceremony hosted by Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas, at Open, in Norwich on Tuesday, November 14.

From today the organiser of the awards, Active Norfolk, is taking nominations for each of the 11 categories which include group and individual awards.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Expanding beyond sport there are two new categories – Power of Physical Activity and Activity in the Community which organisers say will enable them to celebrate those how have had an impact on the communities, not just sport.

This year organisers hoping to beat last year's 330 nominations before the closing date on Wednesday, October 11 at midnight.

Last year's competition saw some of the greatest athletes and coaches in the county came together with swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate, who was selected for the Paralympic swimming squad and Alfie Hewett, Norwich wheelchair tennis star who has recently won the French Open.

Winner of the Services to Disability Sport award last year was Jamie Wells, 39, who has Down's Syndrome.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich - Service to Disability Sport, Jamie Wells. Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich - Service to Disability Sport, Jamie Wells. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

He was chosen to represent the Eastern Region in athletics at the Special Olympics. To help raise money for the team to go to the games he took part in a 50km triathlon and smashed his goal of raising £300, with a total of more than £3,000.

Lesley Wells, his mother, said: 'We didn't tell Jamie because we didn't want him to be disappointed if he didn't win. But when they started talking about him and his picture came up on the screen he was really excited and he jumped out of his seat.

'We are very proud and the night was great being able to see everyone's stories.'

To nominate someone who deserves recognition for their sporting or community achievements visit www.activenorfolk.org/sportsawards.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the Norfolk Sports Awards 2016 held at Open in Norwich. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Tickets for the night are £18 each.