WITH less than a month to go, tickets are selling fast for this year's North Antrim Sports Awards.
With top boxer Amir Kahn's coach Phil Richards confirmed as guest speaker on the evening, interest levels are extremely high ahead of the September 20 ceremony.
Anyone wishing to purchase their extra tickets for the big night are advised to call i
n to the Times office at the earliest point to avoid disappointment.
IFA Honoury President, Jimmy Boyce, will also be making a welcome return following his impressive performance last year.
And with the big names of BBC, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Rainbow International joining principal sponsor Complete Gyms on the supporting cast, this looks like being the biggest evening in the celebrated history of the event.
We will announce the nominees for the various categories in next week's paper.
In all there are 22 award categories this year - vastly extended from previous years to give recognition to those in a number of other sports at varying levels.
This has been another fantastic 12 months for Ballymoney and Moyle sport with world, British, Irish, European and Northern Irish titles claimed in a number of sports.
The task of deciding the most deserving winners in each of the sections proved to be very difficult with the judging panel deliberating for hours to ensure the right winner was selected.
All those nominated for awards have been notified so the countdown can begin in earnest to September 20 when Lissanoure Castle outside Loughgiel will host the big night.
Grant Cameron, no stranger to many in the region, will act as compere for the event and will bring his professional Radio Ulster presenting skills to bear as he links the proceedings.
We will also have a very special guest in attendance on the evening - a person of significant standing in sport in Northern Ireland whose presence further underlines the prestige these awards have.
Tickets for the evening's entertainment, which includes a three-course meal being provided by Iris's Farmhouse Cuisine, entertainment, first-hand insight from one of the UK's leading sports nutrition advisors, Phil Richards, as well as the chance to witness the best north Antrim has produced in 2008, cost just £25.
They can be purchased at the Ballymoney and Moyle Times office in Church Street, Ballymoney. Or phone Chris on 27666216 to secure your ticket.
