The team behind Birmingham 2022 are searching for inspirational local stars of community sport from the Black Country to be amongst the faces of an upcoming advertising campaign.

Organisers are asking people to nominate their “Hometown Heroes” who deserve to be recognised for making a difference to their communities by dedicating their lives to grassroots sport.

Nominees could be an inspiring coach, dedicated volunteer, courageous player or diehard supporter, or anyone who’s had a real impact on their sport club, team or facility.

Nominations are open now at birmingham2022.com/hometownheroes and the best will be chosen to feature on billboard adverts across the region in 2021, including in the Black Country, as the countdown to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begins. Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said:

“The West Midlands has sport running through its veins, whether that’s elite competition or grassroots participation, and it’s really important to celebrate both. That’s why I am so excited by this campaign, which will champion the people who inspire others to take part in sport across the region. 

“By making these Hometown Heroes the stars of an upcoming Birmingham 2022 advertising campaign, we are saying clearly that we are the Games for Everyone, and a celebration of sport at every level. The Black Country is already central to the Games, hosting swimming, diving and the road cycling time trial events. This campaign is another way for the stars of community sport in the Black Country to be a part of the Games, too.”

The campaign aims to celebrate and represent the rich diversity of the West Midlands by recognising people who go above and beyond to encourage participation in sport and exercise in the region.

The Hometown Heroes billboard campaign is the next phase of a wider nationwide campaign launching this month, featuring Team England superstars from a range of sports hoping to compete for gold in two years’ time. Both elements ensure Birmingham 2022 celebrates grassroots participation as well as elite competition.

Hometown Heroes from the Black Country can be connected to any sport, not just those included in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games programme. Stourbridge MP, Suzanne Webb said:

“There are scores of people involved in grassroots sports throughout the Black Country who have a strong impact on our communities. I would encourage people to nominate them as Hometown Heroes ahead of Birmingham 2022.”

Birmingham 2022 has selected its first Hometown Hero to kick off the campaign. Ricardo D’Alva is a coach at City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club, where he coaches beginners and elite players aged from 8 to 18, including many from the Black Country.

He said it’s amazing to be recognised as the first Hometown Hero:

“It is such an honour to be a Hometown Hero because it shows I’ve been able to have a huge positive impact on the young people I coach. The club represents the diversity of the West Midlands and brings the community together, takes young people off the streets and gives them a positive focus in life.”

To nominate someone to be a Hometown Hero, please visit birmingham2022.com/hometownheroes. Entries close on Friday 6th November.