THEY’RE back! The Dunfermline Press Community Champions Awards are returning and you can nominate those who make a difference in your community NOW.

This week sees the launch of the 2019 Awards, which will culminate in a fabulous awards night at the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline on Friday, June 14.

The aim of the awards is to recognise, reward and celebrate the people who make our communities a better place.

And we've been doing just that since we first came up the idea to run the awards back in 2015.

We know there's lots of bad news around and it's our duty to report it. But we are also passionate about being positive about the West Fife community and in terms of the Press Community Champions Awards, there's only good-news stories.

Now we need your help. For our 2019 awards, we want to hear about your community greats that make your street, estate, village or town thrive and want you to nominate them for an award.

It is quick and easy to nominate a group or individual for a Press Community Champion Award. 

Once you have decided on your category(ies), you will need to fill in our entry form. The form is just a few simple questions to give us an idea of why your nominee deserves to win.

You can enter online by visiting http://newsquestscotland events.com/events/dunfcommchamp/
If you have any questions regarding the entry process or require the entry form in a different format, please contact Nina Holmes on 0141 302 6036 or email: nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk

Fife group editor Simon Harris said: "As an editor, I want to champion the West Fife community whenever I can.

"Over the past 12 months, with your support, we've helped provide a garden for the hospice at the Queen Margaret Hospital and we continue to fight for better rail services and cheaper cinema tickets for our readers.

"Now we want your help to find the community champions and unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured for the selfless work they do. 

"My favourite part of being a journalist is being able to share stories each week of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

"These will be our fifth awards and, each year, they underline that we have a strong community that we can all be proud of.

"Who knows what stories of courage, tenacity, generosity and the overwhelming sense of community spirit found throughout West Fife we'll uncover by running this year's awards? There will be many and

"I'm looking forward to the Press sharing those stories with you and honouring our community champions on June 14.

Graham Allison, general manager at Amazon’s Dunfermline Fulfilment Centre, said: “Supporting the local community is very important to us. I am delighted that, for the third consecutive year, Amazon is sponsoring the Heart of Gold award. In West Fife, we have so many amazing people who work tirelessly and go above and beyond to help others. Their stories are staggering, and I encourage people to nominate their family, friends or neighbours who may truly have a Heart of Gold.”

Ewan Reed, director of manufacturing – Subsea East, TechnipFMC, said: “TechnipFMC is delighted to continue its support for the Dunfermline Press Community Champion Awards in 2019. We’re constantly inspired by the work we see in our local community. Helping to recognise those people who make this better for everyone, is a special award to be a part of.”
 
“Canvas Holidays are proud to support the 2019 Community Champion Awards for the fifth year running. As a local family holiday company, we are delighted to be part of recognising exceptional young people in our community who have achieved so much. Each year we are truly moved and inspired by those who are nominated.”
 
Partner David Tibbs, Oliver & Robb Architects, said: “ORA are delighted to support the 2019 Community Champion Awards and in particular, the Entrepreneurial category. Through our involvement in architecture, we understand the synergy between creativity and business success and its ability to promote new and exciting, innovative enterprises. We are therefore pleased to support and celebrate the commitment, passion and contribution of both individuals and businesses within our local community. We wish all involved every success, for a dynamic community can only be founded upon the contribution of those living and working within our local area.” 

A spokesperson Fife Council said: “It is a great pleasure for Fife Council to sponsor the Youth Champion Award in 2019. We recognise and value the part that young people play in our communities. Fife Council and partners actively encourage and support young people to shape their own futures and develop their skills We wish to acknowledge the vast amount of work that takes place across Dunfermline and West Fife and the exceptional contribution that young people make.”

The categories are:

Entrepreneurial Award
Sponsored by Oliver & Robb Architects
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.

Community Champion of the Year
Rewarding a local individual, 18 years and upwards, 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
Sponsored by Amazon
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 has touched the lives of others and made a difference. Someone special who truly has a heart of gold.

Charity Champion of the Year
When it comes to charity, Dunfermline and West Fife is 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.

Sporting Champion of the Year
For a local individual, team or club that is making an impact in 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 or group demonstrating good business skills.

Youth Community Champion
Sponsored by Fife Council
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.

Little Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Canvas Holidays
To recognise an outstanding child aged 17 or under whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride.

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.