Nurowski was President of the Polish Olympic Committee and one of 96 people killed in Smolensk in Russia in the 2010 when Polish Air Force Tu-154 crashed on its way to a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre, a mass murder of Poles by the Soviet Union during World War Two.

"Through his example and his memory, athletes are encouraged to pursue a career in top level sport, while future generations are inspired to adopt a healthy lifestyle based on Olympic values and principles," the EOC said in a statement launching his year's awards.  

The 2014 winner was Italian swimmer Simone Sabbioni following a year when he had won gold medals at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing and set world records in the 50 metres and 100m backstroke.

But he was also recognised for helping look after his family and taking part in a charity show organised for flood victims in Sardinia. 

Sabbioni received his award, which included a training grant of €12,000 (£8,000/$13,000), from EOC President Patrick Hickey during a gala dinner at the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku last year. 

Candidates for this year's awards, who must be aged under 19 at December 31, have until September 7 to be nominated. 

The winner is due to be announced by the EOC during its General Assembly in Prague in November.

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April 2010: Polish Olympic Committee President killed in plane crash