The Taverners, one of Britain's leading youth cricket and disability sports charities, has launched the awards to celebrate the achievements of young people in disability and mainstream sports, as well as the contributions of individuals, clubs and programmes that enable young people to enjoy sport.

English cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham is leading the campaign, urging parents, coaches and teachers to nominate young people, and those who help them enjoy sporting opportunities, for the awards.

Seven awards will be handed out, encompassing junior athlete and team of the year as well as the best sports club and programme.

Greatest "personal development" will also be acknowledged, along with service to sport and lifetime contribution.

Having three Paralympic stars on the judging panel is an extra boost which should add expertise and also raise the profile of the inaugural event.

Sprinter Bushell won silver at Beijing followed by gold at London in the 100 metres T53 category and Clarke is another London 2012 Paralympian who retired afterwards following a 17-year career with the British visually impaired football team.

Giles Long, meanwhile, won three swimming golds at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 and, after retiring from competition in 2007, invented the Lexi Paralympic classification system.

Nominations remain open until August 14, and can be made via the Lord's Taverners website here.

Shortlisted nominees are due be notified by August 28 and invited, with a guest, to the Sporting Chance Awards Lunch, scheduled for September 11 at Mansion House in London, where the winners will be announced.

Further details of the ceremony including other judges and celebrity awards presenters will be announced closer to the event.