OLYMPIAN and motivational speaker Kriss Akabusi has been named as the Master of Ceremonies for the Salisbury Journal Sports Awards, which are launched this week.

It’s a great signing for the awards, which returned last year after a decade away.

As a highly acclaimed sportsman and television personality the star says he is looking forward to returning to the city where he spent some time as a serviceman and meeting the region’s sporting stars.

“I had such a great time there when I was based at Boscombe, so it will be wonderful to return, “ said Kriss.

The awards attracted a huge number of entries last year and now the hunt has begun once more.

Sporting excellence in Salisbury and south Wiltshire is on the ascendancy.  The event is in partnership with a host of local businesses, who say they are keen to encourage individuals at all levels of improvement.

The search for those 'stars' will take place throughout the coming weeks and culminate in a gala dinner on Friday, November 17th.

Bill Browne, Publisher of the Journal, said: “Now’s the time to start telling us about the people in Salisbury and south Wiltshire who make sports a success in the region.

“Anyone who attended last year’s event hosted by Ewen Thomas will know that this really is a highlight of the sporting calendar and it’s the place you have to be if you are truly interested in sport.”

The Journal wants to find:

Sports personality of the year; Male sports personality of the year; Female sports personality of the year; Senior team of the year; Community club of the Year; Coach of the year; Disability sports personality of the year; Outstanding service to sport in south Wiltshire; Footballer of the year; Rugby player of the year; Cricket player of the year; Hockey player of the year; Athlete & swimmer of the year; Indoor Sports player of the year; Outdoor Pursuits.

Bill said: “As well as recognising the cream of professional and elite sport across the region, we want to decorate people who represent the heart and soul of our sporting success at grass roots level. “

To nominate all you have to do is click here