DOBSON — The deadline to make nominations for the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame is quickly approaching.
The Hall of Fame committee opened the nomination period for the 2016 Class on June 1 and will close it at 5 p.m. on Aug. 26.
Those who stand out among the nominees will have their names placed on the Hall of Fame monument at Fisher River Park. There is also an induction ceremony hosted at Surry Community College in October.
There are two ways people or organizations can be nominated.
The Ring of Honor “recognizes individuals, teams, corporations and companies or organizations that have made a significant impact on sports through contributions in the field of athletics” other than as a player or coach, according to the statement.
According to Daniel White, Surry County Parks and Recreation director, the Ring of Honor is often reserved for those entities in support roles, such as organizations which financially support the county’s sports programs or volunteers who have played support roles.
Hall of Fame inductees are often players, coaches or athletics administrators who have made outstanding achievements in the arena of their sport or sports, explains the statement.
White said there are a number of other criteria a person, team or other organization must meet to be considered for either honor. Eligible candidates are those who have made their contribution in Surry County, were born and raised in Surry County or played at least two years of high school sports in the county.
There is also a five-year waiting period for a person or organization, said White. In other words, five years must have passed since the achievement for which a person has been nominated. There can be an exception made to this policy, though White said it rarely happens.
Every year six members are added to the Hall of Fame, and three are picked for the Ring of Honor. According to White, there are plenty of eligible candidates.
“We have tons of nominations,” said White, noting the nomination forms remain active for five years following a nomination.
White said a board is appointed to sift through the nominations, and the committee will make its determinations after the Aug. 26 deadline.
Following an announcement of the inductees, a ceremony will be held on Oct. 29 at Surry Community College and the Class of 2016 will be added to the memorial at Fisher River Park.
Nominations may be made at at the Surry County Parks and Recreation Department, Elkin Recreation and Parks Department, Armfield Recreation and Civic Center and Reeves Community Center. A nomination form can be downloaded at http://www.co.surry.nc.us/2016%20HOF%20Nomination%20Ballot.pdf.
White said anybody with questions may reach parks and recreation staff at 401-8235.