The IOG say their Awards acknowledge the important contribution made by groundscare and greenkeeping staff to the high standards of playing surfaces and the sustainability of British sport.

Commenting that the new awards “will further enhance the wide range of influence that sports turf groundsmanship enjoys”, IOG chief executive Geoff Webb adds, “The IOG International Ambassador of the Year Award will demonstrate the worldwide reach and influence of the UK turf industry, while the bowls greenkeeping award will recognise excellence in this high-profile sport. Importantly, too, the Unsung Hero Award will acknowledge the contribution of those who put their heart and soul into their work without public recognition.”

Now open, nominations can easily be made online for the awards that this year benefit from headline sponsorship by Rigby Taylor and Top Green.

After being judged by an independent panel on criteria that include effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations, the winners will be announced Oscar-style at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Wednesday 4 November, the opening day of the new SALTEX exhibition at the Birmingham NEC.

The 2015 Awards, the seventh in the annual series, have grown in popularity year-on-year, with the winners and the industry as a whole gaining invaluable and widespread media coverage via outlets such as BBC, ITV and Sky Sports News national and regional TV and radio including talkSPORT Radio, regional radio and news press, as well as in the sports and turf press.