The search is on for the sporting stars of 2009. This week sees the launch of the 2009 Medway Sports Awards, the annual celebration of sporting successes in Medway.

A glittering array of individuals, teams and clubs have been recognised for their sporting achievements at national and international level since the awards were first held in 2004.

The awards have also shone a much-deserved spotlight on the dedicated coaches, teachers and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes in our local clubs and schools.

Last year’s winners included athlete Shaunagh Brown, who scooped the Sportsperson of the Year trophy after winning discus bronze at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

The sport of judo was the other big success story. British Schools Champion James Lewis was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year while his coach John Malkinson won the Coach of the Year trophy.

Medway Park Judo Club’s Terry Malkinson was recognised with the Lifetime Contribution to Sport award while club volunteer Margaret Bridges won the Unsung Hero award for more than 20 years of tireless service.

The Medway Messenger will once again be supporting the event. We’ll be giving you the chance to nominate, focus on some the leading candidates for each award and then provide full coverage of the event in November.

Medway Messenger editor Bob Bounds said: "We’re delighted to honour and publicise the magnificent sporting achievements in Medway."

The awards are free to enter and are open to any resident or organisation actively involved in sport in Medway. Nominations can be made by anybody, including people wishing to nominate themselves.

Nominations close on Friday, October 2. The entries will be judged by an independent panel of sports experts later in the year ahead of a gala awards presentation evening on Friday, November 6.