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LAST CHANCE: Nominations end Friday 31st October 2008

The double Olympic Gold medal winner from Mansfield has joined the campaign to salute unsung sporting heroes.

Rebecca and her medals

Rebecca has become an ambassador for the BBC Sports Unsung Hero 2008. 

"We need the volunteers and the unsung heroes to play sport in this country. Lots go unrecognised. 

"They don't moan or complain, but it would be so nice to give them recognition. So get your nominations in for the BBC East Midlands Sports Unsung Hero."

Rebecca said she is thankful to the club volunteers who have helped her and other swimmers during her career. 

Nina Walker, East Midlands Unsung Hero

The BBC is looking for an individual who, on a voluntary basis, makes a real difference to sport within your region. This person will give their time and talents to enable others to participate in sport. This may be in helping an individual, team or teams.

• This sport can be at any level.
  
• They must be someone who gains no financial reward for their time and effort.
  
• They must be aged 16 years or over.

Regional judging panels, made up of a cross-section of BBC sports staff and other local sports experts, will decide each regional winner in November.

All 15 will then will be invited to this years BBC Sports Personality of the Year show, broadcast live from the Liverpool Echo Arena on Sunday 14th December between 7-9pm, where an overall winner will be announced. 

85 year-old Margaret Simons took the overall award in 2007 for her work over 40 years in junior football. 

Bursaries of up to £2,500, provided by award supporters Robinsons, are also available to winners of each regional award. This is to help them with their work in sport and the community.

Previous winner

Last year's local award was picked up by Nina Walker who has helped disabled children and adults in Leicestershire for more than 25 years.

You can find more information on Nina's work along with other 2007 winners by clicking on the link below:

How to make a nomination

For the nominations there are two ways to nominate either online or by downloading the following PDF

To enter, you must ensure all the sections are filled in. Any nomination that doesn't include details of the nominee cannot be accepted.

Send the completed form before the closing date of Friday 31st October 2008 to:

BBC East Midlands Sports Unsung Hero
London Road
Nottingham
NG2 4UU

Your nominee must be informed and have agreed to being entered, nominees may be asked to appear on BBC TV and/or radio. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding their decision.

The competition complies with the BBC's new Code of Conduct on Competitions and Voting which is published on the BBC's website.