More than 60 nominations across the four categories have flooded in over the past year, with the best junior, senior and team of the year to be announced along with the clubperson of the year.

“There’s a lot more nominations than normal and I think people have started to think outside the box and realised there are people out there that are worthy of being nominated,” Testoni said.

“I think the mere fact this many people have been nominated is a big plus for them as well, to be recognised and signalled out for mention, they should all feel very proud.”

The Griffith City Council junior sportsperson of the year award, in particular, is full of worthy candidates this Australia Day, with the selection panel having a tough time selecting a winner.

“Look at the calibre of the junior nominations this year and it’s probably the biggest field of nominees we have ever had,” Testoni said.

“Apart from the kids that have gone overseas to compete, some of them have achieved some amazing things on a local level.

“And a lot of the kids have achieved great things in a range of different sports, and I think that speaks volumes for the desire of some of the local athletes in the area.

“Some kids are willing just to play one sport, but then there are some that line up and play one sport Saturday morning, another that afternoon and then back up on Sunday.”

But the clubperson of the year holds a special place in Testoni’s heart, as he believes is it arguably the most important sports award given on the day.

He said was their tireless work that kept teams and clubs operating.

“I think we had a different field than normal this year, even though we only have one person who wins the awards, it’s fitting they all be recognised for their efforts over the past year,” he said.

“But I encourage people to keep nominating people for the clubperson award, because I think for too long we take some people in the area for granted for what they do for certain clubs or associations.”

The Griffith City Sports Council and Griffith City Council sports awards will begin at 10am tomorrow at Pioneer Park.