Two community volunteers from Northern Ireland have been shortlisted for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022 Unsung Hero award.
Anna Pim from Belfast and Mary O'Hagan from County Derry have both been named as finalists for the prestigious prize.
The Unsung Hero award celebrates volunteers who make a positive impact in their community by enabling participation in grassroots sports.
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Anna and Mary are two of eight finalists who are up for the gong, with the winner due to be announced live at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Wednesday, December 21.
Teenager Anna (17) is creating a legacy of coaches and volunteers for hockey in Northern Ireland, alongside her work in addressing player welfare through her ‘At the Heart of the Game’ programme.
The initiative equips clubs and individuals with skills and tools to address coronary safety.
Anna coaches Under-11 and U-13 teams at her local club and school and she is part of Ulster Hockey’s participation committee.
A recognised young leader, she demonstrates the difference that can be made through sport.
Mary set up Ballyronan Bluetits open water swimming club two years ago which has become a hugely popular hub in the community.
She struggled with depression and anxiety after the birth of her first two children, who were born blind.
Mary battled with her mental health during subsequent pregnancies and began cold water swimming to improve her health - both physically and mentally.
After reaping the benefits, she has also gone on to become a qualified mental health swim coach.
This year's Unsung Heroes are judged by a panel of experts from the community sport and volunteer sector and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The eight-strong shortlist go to a final judging panel of current and former sports stars and people active in sports volunteering.
UK finalists (in alphabetical order):
- Mike Alden (Bristol)
- Rukhsana Hussain (Leicester)
- Nooh Omar Ibrahim (Cardiff)
- Mary O’Hagan (Ballyronan)
- Anna Pim (Belfast)
- Dave Thompson (Aberdeen)
- Helen Thornton (Ipswich)
- Becca Todd (Bristol)
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