THIS is the fifth year of the Dunfermline Press/Central Fife Times Community Champions Awards and now there is the opportunity to nominate the person you think is worthy of one of our categories.
Since 2015 Timesland has won almost every category of the awards because of the tremendous community work done in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.
And this year will be no different with many good news stories needing to be told.
In 2016 the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area remarkably produced five of the nine award winners at the Dunfermline Press/Central Fife Times Community Champions evening.
In 2015 Alex Haddow won the first Community Champion Award for his work in the Cowdenbeath area and the following year this award stayed in Timesland with Lochgelly’s Jim McGuinness winning the 2016 version for his work in scouting over the past 60 years.
But there were four other success stories that year. Willie Burns, the man who has spent his life coaching young starlets at the Cardenden Boxing Club, won the Sporting Champion gong with Cowdenbeath’s Melissa Maxwell runner-up; while the Heart Gold Award went to Andrew Hodge, from Cowdenbeath, who, despite having a heart condition, spends hours each week raising money for Help for Heroes.
Then the Youth Community Champion Award went to former Cowdenbeath Junior Citizen of the Year Josh Logan.
Josh’s work with the army cadets and the International Fire and Rescue Association, along with helping with Cowdenbeath Civic Week Committee’s initiatives, won him the accolade.
And then the Little Champion of the Year was shared by Ballingry’s Kian Rafferty, 7, with three other youngsters who had shown great courage in overcoming health and physical setbacks.
Since then there have been other winners but in 2019 we want to see the area’s record maintained, but to do that we need people to send in their nominations.
The categories are, Entrepreneurial Award, celebrating a person or a business that has demonstrated special entrepreneurial flair. Champion Teacher of the Year, which recognises teachers who are bringing life learning to life by inspiring children. Community Champion of the Year, rewarding the individual aged 18+ who goes out of their way to held those around them. Heart of Gold, which goes to the person whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery has touched the lives of others. Charity Champion, the person who has dedicated energy into making a real difference.Sporting Champion, a local individual or team that is making an impact on or off the pitch, mat or ring. Young Enterprise Champion, recognising those who have succeeded in starting a business or creating benefits for their communities. Youth Champion, a group or individual up to 17 who makes a significant contribution to their community. Little Champion, To recognise an outstanding child aged 17 or under whose achievements, courage or bravery make you burst with pride. Live Music Award, this award goes to a singer or group who put their heart and soul into every performance. The entry deadline is Thursday April 4.
Enter online by visiting https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/dunfcommchamp/