THE shortlist for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awards 2017 has been announced.

Organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the awards aim to reward and recognise people from across the two counties that take part, work, coach and volunteer in sport and physical activity.

Those shortlisted encompass a wide variety of sports, from WadoKai Karate to Roller Derby, showcasing the talent and commitment of individuals from the area.

The winners will be unveiled at the annual event, which is attended by more than 250 amateur and professional sports people, local businesses and dignitaries, on Thursday, November 23 at Sixways Stadium.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Kate Richardson-Walsh, OBE will be there to inspire those attending as guest speaker.

Stephen Brewster, chief executive of the Sports Partnership, said: “These awards are an opportunity for local people, clubs and organisations to be celebrated for their hard work, commitment and passion for grass roots sport as well as those who are participating at both amateur and professional levels.”

“We are looking forward to unveiling the winners.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased from sportspartnershiphw.co.uk/tickets

THE FULL SHORTLIST.

Disabled Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Warriors Community Foundation).

Lee Greatbatch.

Gierdre Rakauskaite.

Craig Allen.

Aspiring Talent award (sponsored by Halo Leisure).

Lottie Trevethan.

Matt Richards.

Lucy Walton.

Female Coach of the Year (sponsored by University of Worcester).

Katinka Ernst - Disability Sport Worcester.

Melinda Bennett - Colwall & Malvern Hockey Club.

Katrina Wilson - WadoKai Karate Club.

Male Coach of the Year.

Quentin Elmhirst - Worcester Athletic Club.

David Wilson- WadoKai Karate Club.

John Rees - GB Modern Penathlon & Malvern Swords Fencing Club.

Sports School of the Year (sponsored by Hallmark Hulme).

Chadsgrove School.

Hagley Primary School.

Birchensale Middle School.

Community Club of the Year (sponsored by Universal Display).

Droitwich Tennis Club.

Hereford Poison Berries Junior Roller Derby Club.

Luctonians Sports Club.

Community Project of the Year sponsored by Freedom Leisure).

Let’s play Tennis Droitwich.

Bromsgrove Walking Hockey.

Wicketz.

Young Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce).

Hayden Bell - Leigh & Bransford Badgers FC.

Jacob Ottley - Redditch Cricket Club.

Gareth Richardson - Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club.

Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Spirit Executive).

Sam Payne - Worcester Pitchcroft Parkrun.

Terry Birt - Worcester Nomads Cricket Club.

Kevin Parsons - Community Rounders Programme.

Unsung Hero (sponsored by Mann Broadbent Sports Insurance).

Ian Johnson - Leominster Hockey Club.

Richard Ralph - Worcester Parkrun.

James Cooling - Malvern Gymnastics Club.

BBC Power of Sport (sponsored by BBC Hereford and Worcester).

Megan Judge.

Liam Swainson.

Callum Williams.