A TASTE of Brazil will be on offer at this year’s Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards following another record breaking number of nominations.

In total, 63 inspiring individuals, teams and groups were nominated for recognition for their achievements both on and off the field in 13 categories, smashing last year’s previous record which stood at just over 50.

The top two or three nominations have been shortlisted and the winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, July 14, at Malvern College.

There will be a hint of Rio de Janeiro about the event, in honour of the Olympic Games due to be held in the city this summer.

Samba band Someone at the Door will be entertaining the 200 guests expected for the event, sponsored by UK Flood Barriers and organised by Malvern Hills District Council for the sixth year running.

The Olympic theme will be continued by guest speaker Katrina Hart, a key member of the Paralympics team that won bronze in the 4x100m relay at London 2012.

Cllr David Watkins, the district council's portfolio holder for healthier communities, said: “The Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards continue to grow in popularity year on year. They provide a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the sporting talent we have here in the district, as well as the dedication and commitment required off the field to enable that talent to shine.

“It’s fantastic we’ve received another record number of nominations and I’m excited to find out who the winners are.”

The shortlist in full.

Team of the Year, sponsored by Fortis Living: Malvern RFC Colts, Motionettes Jazz, Motionettes Poms.

Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Morgan Motor Company: Sam Edmundson, Megan Taylor.

Coach of the Year, sponsored by Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership: Emma Edmunds, Justine Brooks.

Inclusive Project of the Year, sponsored by Tulip Cleaning and Laundry Solutions: Newtown Sports Cerebral Palsy FC, Swim Inspiration.

Community Project of the Year, sponsored by ESP Enigma: Pendock Spring Chicken Race, This Worcs Girl Can.

Club of the Year, sponsored by Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire: Malvern Town FC, Manor Park Bowls.

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by YMCA Worcestershire: Steve and Dana Hughes, William Nelson.

Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by TM Events: Aimee Stephenson, Danielle Hopkins.

Young Male Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Westbridge Food Group: Carrick Hill, Eddie McCrorie Mayne, Stan Pritchard.

Young Female Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Malvern Instruments: Camey Dorrell, Eliza Woodhouse, Saffron Cresswell.

Male Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by The Best of Malvern Hills: Alexander Lloyd, Dave Reynolds.

Female Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Freedom Leisure: Evie Richards, Vicki Hancox.

Unsung Hero of the Year award, sponsored by UK Flood Barriers: Amanda Smith, Martin Brennan.