IT doesn’t take a lot to be aware that the seasons are changing and that we are moving rapidly towards winter. Nights are darker, rain is a little colder and reality TV has hit our screens. Another strong indicator of the changing season, also, is the run of awards dinners that seem to be calling for your support.

I’m aware that you can now probably find an award for any subject under the sun, but I am also aware of how important they can be, not just for the award winners themselves, but for the organisation that chooses to reward and recognise their patrons. A lot of work takes place behind the scenes before the night, when those in attendance get glammed up and ready to pay homage to the individuals who have achieved success in their particular field.

Before that they need sponsors, nominees and of course, people to support the night itself. All of that requires teamwork and commitment to bring it together and put on a spectacular showcase, befitting an awards ceremony.

Awards offer an opportunity to highlight the good work that is undertaken by everyone involved, no matter that on the night it is normally just one person lifting the trophy. I can’t recall ever hearing someone receiving an award and saying: “I did this all by myself without help from anyone else.” Almost everyone wants to share their success with those who have contributed along the way. Sport is absolutely no different and perhaps leads the way here, as almost all athletes, whether in a team sport or not, have a team around them supporting them and sharing their expertise and knowledge.

SWiS are no different and arrangements are well under way to deliver our 3rd Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, November 11 at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel. This is the only dinner in Scotland that recognises the achievements of our female athletes and those who support them. Past winners, to name a few, include Eilidh Doyle, Laura Muir, Danni Joyce, Sarah Wilson and Maria Lyle.

There’s plenty of inspiration this year for nominees as it has been another exciting year for sport, with Rio delivering the Olympics and Paralympic games. Coming a bit closer to home and we had the Homeless World Cup, which was a huge success not just in terms of playing, but also with a strong social message. Still on football and we will know shortly, the fate of the Scottish FA Women’s National team, perhaps even at some point before their final game against Iceland on September 20, depending on results elsewhere. Qualifying for the 2017 European Championship final in The Netherlands next year would be a first. Just a few of the good news stories that we would hope will be highlighted on the night.

This is where you come in, where you can make a difference. Whether it be our awards or any other awards, nominations are normally called for from the public. I know it feels time-consuming and you have had a busy day, but really 10 minutes of your time is all that’s required.

You can nominate across eight categories and we will bring in an expert panel to make the final judgment on seven of those eight. The eighth category, The Peoples Champion, will go out for a public vote, once we have created a shortlist of four. You can nominate and record your vote here http://swisawards.co.uk/.

Please take the time to go online and lets us know amongst others, who your coach of the year is, who your young sportswoman is and of course who your sportswoman is. Last year we uncovered an unknown star in the form of Danni Joyce a world record holder for deaf swimming. She picked up the RBS Sportswoman of the Year Award. Who could it be this year? On Friday, November 11, we will find out, but one thing is for sure, if you don’t nominate your favourite and put them in the running, it won’t be them.