Wareham Crossing is looking for members of the local community who are true everyday heroes and have shown courage and compassion, bravely defying the odds to make a difference.

These heroes will be honored at the 3rd Annual Braveheart Awards being held at the shopping center on Saturday, September 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. and hosted by news Anchor Maria Stephanos of Fox 25.

If you know a group or individual who motivates others, acts as a role model, makes a difference, goes above and beyond, solves problems, and sets an example, nominate this person for a Braveheart Award.

Wareham Crossing will be accepting applications from July 5th through August 16.

Visit www.BraveheartAward.com and click on Nominate a Braveheart to download the application.

This year’s award ceremony will be themed to celebrate and support the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

In addition to looking for local Braveheart nominees, Wareham Crossing is also looking for community coaches, past or present Olympians and/or professional or semi-pro athletes to volunteer their time to help make the day truly great for the Special Olympians participating.

Several Special Olympic athletes at the event will speak about their experiences with the “no limits” approach to reaching one’s dreams.

Wareham Crossing will host a wide range of events throughout the day, including a short Kids’ Fun Run and Torch Lighting with Olympic Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelsson, and a Football Activity for children hosted by former Patriots Joe Andruzzi and Steve Nelson.

Past winners of the Braveheart Awards include: Senator Scott Brown, Army Sergeant Michael Downing, the Wareham Fire Department, Environmentalist Richard Wheeler, Cape Cod Canal Marine Operations Team, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Plymouth County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit and Gold Star Mom Cynthia Deslauriers.

About Wareham Crossing

Opened in 2007, Wareham Crossing is a 675,000 square foot open-air shopping destination that offers more than 35 thoughtfully placed stores and restaurants.

The development includes wide sidewalks, benches, and detailed landscaping, including a Main Street section that encourages walking and window shopping.

Located on Route 28 near the intersection of Routes 495 and 195, Wareham Crossing is home to retailers including, Target, Lowe’s, L.L. Bean Outlet, Staples, Old Navy, and Yankee Candle, and restaurants such as LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Robin.

About WS Development

Based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, WS Development is one of the largest privately owned retail development firms in the United States.

Since 1981, WS Development has been a leader in the acquisition, development, management and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties.

Its portfolio consists of more than 80 properties, totaling over 16 million square feet of retail space. For more information, visit www.wsdevelopment.com.