Get voting for this year's BBC Unsung Hero!

The BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero award returns to celebrate volunteers who dedicate their free time to help people participate in grassroots sports and fitness activities.

Returning for its 16th year, Unsung Hero 2018 will search for the most dynamic, forward thinking and driven volunteers from across the UK, who are inspiring people of all ages to get up and get active. If you have your own local sporting superhero with an inspiring story to tell, don't wait to give them the recognition they deserve - nominate them today.

Who is eligible?

The BBC wants to celebrate those special individuals helping in grassroots sports and fitness activities. From volunteers who offer fitness classes in communities, to the person who spends their free time running the social media accounts for dance clubs, or that one steward who turns up every week to cheer on the runners in their 5km races.

How do I nominate?

For the first time, nominations can be made via video and audio. To nominate your Unsung Hero by video, audio, online web form or via email, simply visit the website. Entries close on Sunday 21 October at midnight and the shortlist will be revealed in the days leading up to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in December, where we'll be saying a #BigThankYou!

Why?

We want to continue to celebrate those who have been encouraging people to get active for years, but we also want to focus on the young Unsung Heroes who have inspiring stories to tell.

We are talking about the college student who drives mass participation at his weekly running club via his savvy social media skills, the young professional who spends his nights in the boxing gym to keep underprivileged kids off the streets. And the 17-year-old dance teacher who is using her class as a platform to talk about the importance of mental health.

If it's a sport or activity* that needs volunteers, and you know somebody who is driven and selfless to getting people active, then we need your nomination!

(* as long as the activity is recognised by a national governing body - as mentioned anywhere in this document)

Who?

Dynamic, hungry, ambitious and dedicated to making a difference for your community or club. Who do you know that measures up?

Imagine them having selfies with the stars on the BBC Sports Personality red carpet and being presented with the award in front of a sold-out arena, knowing it was your nomination that got them there. The 2017 winner from Leicestershire's very own Hinckley & Bosworth, Denise Larrad, knows exactly what we are talking about.

Well worth a shot, isn't it? Nominate the person who always puts others first by entering them for 2018.

Even if you have nominated someone previously, you can nominate them again this year - as long as they haven't won in your region before.

Where?

We want to find the most driven, passionate and inspiring volunteers from all corners of the UK.

From Thurso to Torquay, Llanelli to Lowestoft and everywhere in between, our regional and national BBC stations will be gathering your nominations.

Following your nominations, and with the help of a locally-sourced panel, a shortlist is considered and a regional winner is announced.

Fifteen winners, one from each region, go forward into the national award, where a panel of elite sportspeople - with a little help from sport industry and media folk - look closely at each Unsung Hero. After a day's fierce debate, they will agree on the 2018 BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero.

When?

Nominations are open NOW - so go on, do something little for someone who does something big!

Nominate your Unsung Hero before the deadline, midnight on Sunday, 21 October 2018, or you'll have to wait until 2019.