"The success of the Sports Awards is highly dependent on the number of nominations, but with every year, despite dedicated publicity efforts, the nominations are becoming slower to arrive," read a press release.
"Though the awards ceremony itself appears to be a highly anticipated event on Wanganui's social and sporting calendar, the increasingly lacklustre nature of nomination submissions makes for a difficult time for Sport Wanganui's event planners.
"The ceremony is made possible only by nominations, and the event's future after 2013 is not guaranteed."
Chief executive Danny Jonas said any athletes who felt their national or regional successes did not measure up to the likes of multiple winner Rebecca Scown had to remember there were now junior national as well as international categories for eligibility.
And that was not to mention other areas like teams, coach, administrator, referee, masters and outstanding conduct awards which the everyday Joe or Jane could deserve - but only if a hand had gone up or someone had put a name forward.
"We're aware that there is a world of sporting successes happening in our region on a regular basis, and that includes volunteers doing wonderful things in their roles.
"So it is disappointing that the number of nominations across the categories are not reflecting that," said Jonas.
The qualifying criteria for contention is accomplishments achieved by Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu people between October 1 last year and September 30 this year.
Entries are due to close today at 5pm, and forms are still available from the Sport Wanganui offices or from the website at www.sportwanganui.co.nz
