The project seeks to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to grassroots sport and physical activity in the English city and surrounding area.

Individuals whom organisers believe have the best story attached to their nomination will be featured on billboard adverts across the region.

Nominees can be associated with any sport, not just those on the programme for Birmingham 2022, but individuals must live or work in the West Midlands.

Nominations close at 11.59pm tomorrow.

Last month, organisers announced their first Hometown Hero in a bid to encourage more nominations.

Ricardo D’Alva, a coach at City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club in Nechells, coaches beginners and elite players aged from 8 to 18.

D'Alva was nominated by the club’s managing director Robert Palmer who said: "I’m nominating Ricardo as a Hometown Hero because I believe he inspires the next generation of young people to realise their dreams.

"Ricardo joined the club two years ago when he moved to Birmingham from Portugal, and ever since he’s dedicated his life to working with hundreds of young people of all backgrounds and abilities. We couldn’t imagine the club without him.

"Basketball changed Ricardo’s life and now he’s using the sport to change the lives of young people. If there were more people like Ricardo in the West Midlands, we’d have a wonderful legacy of sport in this region."

D'Alva said he was "honoured" to be recognised as Birmingham 2022's first Hometown Hero.

"It is such an honour to be a Hometown Hero because it shows I’ve been able to have a huge positive impact on the young people I coach," said D'Alva.

"The club represents the diversity of the city and brings the community together, takes young people off the streets and gives them a positive focus in life.

"I started here as a volunteer because I never thought, growing up in Portugal, that I could make a career from basketball. 

"I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that the City of Birmingham Rockets have given me to make a living teaching the sport I love."

Ian Reid, chief executive officer of Birmingham 2022 said: "The West Midlands has sport running through its veins, whether that’s elite competition or grassroots participation, and it’s really important to celebrate both.

"That’s why I am so excited by this campaign, which will champion the people who inspire people to take part in sport across the region. 

“By making these Hometown Heroes the stars of an upcoming Birmingham 2022 advertising campaign, we are saying clearly that we are the Games for everyone, and a celebration of sport at every level.

"I can’t wait to see some of the characters that are put forward for this special recognition."

Nominations can be registered here.