Calling all young, talented athletes for the Future Stars of Sport Awards

Last years winners (left to right): Jacko Gill, Martin Crowe (guest speaker), Joseph Parker, Gareth Kean, Hugo Inglis

Nominations are now open for the Future Stars of Sport Awards

Through the highs and lows of the New Zealand sporting year, young sportsmen and women have again been to the fore.

Since 1967 The New Zealand Herald has acknowledged the very best of our sporting talent through their Junior Sports Awards and more recently the Future Stars programmes.

Many who go on to be World or Olympic champions have had their talent first recognised at a young age.

Among winners have been two of New Zealand's best cricketers Martin Crowe and Daniel Vettori, Olympic golden girls Sarah Ulmer and Valerie Adams, top sailors Russell Coutts and Dean Barker, father and son hockey internationals Jeff and Ryan Archibald and even, in more recent times, top jockey James McDonald.

Many different sports have received recognition through the efforts of their rising stars who have been among the more than 200 award winners.

To submit your entry:

Nominees must be under 20 years of age at December 31 2011. Full details, including age, date of birth, address, club/school and an outline (of up to 500 words) of the performance (s) to be considered must be received by January 20 2012.

The judges will take into consideration all aspects of the achievement and will also consider entries from those who compete in sports for those with disabilities.

Award winners will receive $1500 training grants and a product bag from The New Zealand Herald. The winners, their parents and coach will be guests at an awards function.

Entries can be emailed to futurestars@nzherald.co.nz or posted to Future Stars, c/o Editorial Department, NZ Herald, P O Box 32 Auckland.