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The Birmingham Post and the Birmingham Mail are delighted to celebrate sporting excellence and achievement in the West Midlands.

This is the first year of the Birmingham Sports Awards 2013 and I would like to thank our co-organisers Champions (º£½ÇÊÓƵ) plc for the outstanding support that they have given over the past six months in helping to ensure the event’s success.

At Bpm Media, we are constantly reminded of the important role that sport plays in the daily lives of our readers and online users.

Whether it’s supporting one of our professional clubs, watching a son or daughter competing for their school or local team, taking part in sporting activity, or simply exercising to keep fit, it touches all our lives in more ways than we may think.

A year ago the focus of the world fell on Britain as London hosted memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As we all look at the legacy those Games have left, across the region there are hundreds of young sports stars dreaming of one day replicating the success of the likes of Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and Ellie Simmonds.

But achieving gold medal-winning performances starts at grassroots level and many of our award winners highlight the remarkable work that is being carried out in our communities helping youngsters fulfil their sporting ambitions.

The Birmingham Sports Awards 2013 has been fortunate to enjoy the support of local businesses, colleges and the city council and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors.