By Sarah Newstead

Last updated 15:22, Thursday, 25 September 2008

WITH the Beijing Olympics gripping the world this summer, sporting achievements are under the microscope.

But what about the volunteers who help get Cumbria moving in our sporting clubs and organisations?

The hunt is on for a group or project that encourages a healthy way of life in the Cumbria Community Awards,formally launched last week.

The Active Communities award aims to recognise not for profit groups and organisations that exist to improve quality of life in Cumbria.

Perhaps you know a group of volunteers who devote their time to nurturing sporting talent at the grass roots.

Or maybe you know of a healthy eating project set up to help people learn about cooking on a budget.

Becky Underwood, volunteer development officer for Cumbria Sport Partnership, is involved in making sure volunteers have access to the right training through schemes like Step into Sport.

She said the county boasts a great reputation for sporting clubs run by people who give their time for free.

“Cumbria is recognised for having a strong sporting volunteer ethos.

“We’ve a man at Talkin Tarn who has fixed the boats and helped with the training for 50 years – sometimes it’s nice to say thank you.”

Becky urged people to get nominating for this year’s awards.

You can nominate a group or project by filling out a simple online form.

For more information about the awards and an online nomination form go to www.cumberland-news.co.uk/communityawards. Or you can call 01228 612201 to request one. Nominations close on October 5.