Our communities in West and Central Fife are filled with many wonderful people who do so much to improve the lives of those around them.
Their incredible efforts to help others very often don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
So we’re looking to shine the spotlight on these unsung heroes by launching this year's Dunfermline Press / Central Fife Times Community Champion Awards – recognising the very best of everything about West and Central Fife.
After a break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our annual awards returned last year, providing a welcome opportunity to reward and celebrate the people who make our communities a better place.
We’re delighted to be doing it all again this year, so we’re now looking for you to nominate the people you believe deserve to be recognised as a Community Champion.
Press and Times editor Kevin McRoberts said: "Every year we see a great many people step up to help those less fortunate than themselves, giving their time and efforts to make other people's lives that little bit better.
"We want to recognise, reward and thank these amazing people."
He added: “Last year was the first time I had been involved in the Community Champion Awards.
“It was really moving to hear the incredible and wonderful stories of the people who do so much to enrich the lives of others.
“One of my favourite parts of being editor of the Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times is being able to fight for our areas and shout about our good news.
“There are so many people doing good things to make West and Central Fife a better place, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in being able to highlight their efforts.
“So many people step up to help those less fortunate than themselves, giving their time and energy to make other people’s lives that little bit better.
“We want to recognise, reward and thank these amazing people.”
As in previous years, we're asking you, our readers, to tell us about the unsung heroes enriching the lives of others.
We're aiming to celebrate our unsung heroes from sport, business, charity, music, schools and everyday life, giving them their moment in the limelight, and receiving richly deserved plaudits for their achievements.
If you know someone you believe should be recognised at our Community Champions Awards night at the Glen Pavilion on Thursday, June 13, please get in touch.
Nominations are now open. Enter on the Dunfermline Press website at www.dunfermlinepress.com/community-champions
There are 11 awards up for grabs and the closing date for nominations in Thursday, April 11.
The Community Champion Awards rely on the support of not only our readers, but some of West Fife’s big-hearted businesses.
This year, we are grateful to Arnold Clark, Stagecoach and TechnipFMC for their generous support of the awards.
Here’s all the Community Champion categories.
ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD: This category celebrates a person or a business that has demonstrated a special entrepreneurial flair and has used this passion to help grow their local community.
CHAMPION TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. This award recognises teachers who are bringing learning to life by engaging and inspiring all children and young people to fulfil their potential.
LITTLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: To recognise an outstanding child age 13 or under whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.
SPORTING CHAMPION OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Arnold Clark): For a local individual, team or club that is making an impact in the local sport, either on the pitch or off it. Who is the beating heart of local sport?
YOUNG ENTERPRISE CHAMPION (Sponsored by TechnipFMC): Recognises young people who have succeeded in starting a business, creating benefits for themselves and for their communities. This award celebrates the work accomplished by a young person (Under 25) or group demonstrating good business skills.
YOUTH COMMUNITY CHAMPION (Sponsored by Stagecoach): We are looking for a group of young people or an individual up to the age of 17 who makes a significant contribution to their local community. They may have fundraised, campaigned on issues which are important to young people or helped others less fortunate. We know kids sometimes get a bad reputation. Tell us now about the kids whose heart is in the right place.
LIVE MUSIC AWARD: This award will go to a local singer, band or group who put their heart and soul into every performance, whose talent makes us all extremely proud. Our finalists will have the opportunity to perform live at the awards gala.
HEALTH & CARE AWARD: The Health & Care Award will recognise the incredible health and care workers both at individual and team level, who are at the heart of our local community.
CHARITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: When it comes to charity, Dunfermline and West Fife are as big-hearted as you can get. This award is for an individual or a group who have dedicated their energy into making a real difference.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: Rewarding a local individual, 18 years and upwards, or a group, who goes out of their way to help those around them. Someone whose actions are a force for good in the community and who we all benefit from making our community a better place.
HEART OF GOLD: This award goes to someone who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to Dunfermline and West Fife. We will be recognising an adult whose actions, achievements, courage or bravery have touched the lives of others and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.
You can make your nominations at www.dunfermlinepress.com/community-champions.
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