The City of Kelowna is calling for nominations for the 38th annual civic and community awards. The awards recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their outstanding contributions and achievements in 2012 which directly benefited Kelowna.

Earlier this year, 12 individuals and four groups were presented with civic awards for their outstanding work in the community in 2011. And in May, recipient of awards for this year will be named.

"The awards recognize those who make a difference in our community. I encourage you to nominate that special someone from your organization or your neighbourhood who is deserving of an acknowledgment," said Jim Gabriel, director of recreation and cultural services.

"There are also awards specifically for volunteers and businesses who play a key role in helping us provide and maintain a wide variety of services in Kelowna and those people need to be recognized as well for their commitment."

Nomination categories include:

• Bob Giordano Memorial Award  for a significant contribution through voluntary service to amateur sport.
• Bryan Couling Memorial for the athletic team of the year
• Male and female athlete of the year
• Young male and female of the year
• Teen honour in the arts
• Honour in the arts
• Corporate community of the year — open to small, medium and large businesses.
• Man and woman of the Year
• Central Okanagan Foundation volunteer organization of the year
• Champion for the environment for either an individual and business. This new award replaces the city's mayor's environmental awards, the last of which were handed out earlier this year.

Nominations are being accepted until noon on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. Nomination forms are available online at kelowna.ca/residents or for pick-up at City Hall, the Parkinson Recreation Centre, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, local libraries and the Kelowna Family Y. Completed forms can be dropped off at the Parkinson Recreation Centre to the attention of Amber Gilbert.

In addition to the nominated awards, Kelowna city council will also chose the recipient of the Anita Tozer Award, which goes to an individual or group who has had an extraordinary impact on the city. The winners of the Augie Ciancone Memorial Awards for most outstanding male and female high school athletes of the year will selected by the Central Okanagan School District.

Finalists and award recipients will be named on May 1, 2013 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.