The BBC has launched its search for the nation’s “Sports Unsung Hero of 2006” and are asking people to put forward suitable candidates who help others to take part in sport within the community.

Last year’s award went to swimming coach Trevor Collins who was presented with the accolade at the BBC Sports Personality show in December

Mr Collins has done everything from helping to dig the pool to training future champions at West Wight Swimming Club on the Isle of Wight.

But the search is now on this year’s recipient who will be announced at this year’s show.

·         The BBC is looking for an individual who, on a voluntary basis, makes a difference to sport within your region.

·         They must give their time and talents to enable others to participate in sport.

·         This may be in helping an individual, group, 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.

The search for sport's Unsung Hero is taking place across the United Kingdom. It will see winners initially named in the following BBC areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, East, East Midlands, London, North East & Cumbria, North West, South, South East, South West, West, West Midlands, Yorkshire, East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire.

These regional Unsung Heroes will then be invited to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year programme on Sunday 10th December 2006 where an overall winner will be announced.

For further details and to fill in an online nomination form, people can visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/

-ends-

For further details contact Dave Richards, ASA Media Manager, on 01509 632237, 0778 992 6136 or email dave.richards@swimming.org

The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

Speedo is the world's leading swimwear brand. Founded in Sydney in 1928 Speedo has over 75 years of heritage and expertise in swimwear and launched the FASTSKIN FSII, the world’s fastest swimsuit, in 2004. Speedo is the Official Supplier to British Swimming and the ASA and provides valuable investment for swimming from grassroots through to elite level.

www.speedo.co.uk