Gerard Martin said 18 sports equipment vouchers – valued at a total of $24,500 – are on offer to schools, sporting organisations and researchers across NSW.

“The awards recognise outstanding achievement in the research and prevention of sports related injuries and the adoption of safe sport practices,” he said.

“Participation in sport forms an important part of the Bathurst’s and our school community.”

The awards are an opportunity for sporting groups to demonstrate their commitment to improving safety in sport by promoting practices and research that reduce the risk and impact of such injuries in NSW.

Awards will be offered at a state, region, club or school level across three categories:

• Education and promotion.

• Safe sport practices.

• Applied research.

“I would encourage all eligible groups in our community, including schools to submit an entry in this year’s awards,” Mr Martin said.

The NSW Sporting Injuries Committee has been working closely with the sports community to improve safety, reduce injuries and increase participation for more than 30 years.

The committee is a non-profit statutory organisation that provides sports insurance and promotes injury prevention and safe sport practices.

Nomination forms are available from www.sportinginjuries.nsw. gov.au or call 02 4321 5392.

Nominations will close at 5pm on September 6.

Winners will be announced on November 12 at the Waterview Convention Centre, Homebush Bay.