Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards

Active School of the Year

Eligibility: for schools and/or education establishments catering for pupils in KS1 – KS4.

The Active School of the Year will use PE, sport and physical activity as a tool, across the school, to improve pupil attendance, attainment and behaviour as well as parent/carer engagement, and nominations will demonstrate this. They should detail how a well sequenced, broad and balanced PE curriculum is delivered through high quality PE lessons to all pupils every week where positive pupil behaviours are developed and progression in motor competence and knowledge is effectively assessed. A diverse range of extra-curricular sport/activity clubs are offered throughout the day with some dedicated to attracting less active pupils and/or demographics who have been previously identified. Further opportunities are offered to all pupils to help them reach 60 minutes of physical activity each day e.g. active lessons (non-PE), active break times, active travel. The school has active links with local clubs, facilities and community organisations. Opportunities for pupils and families to be active beyond the school day are supported and promoted to pupils and parents/carers who are aware of how being physically active can support their wellbeing. Pupil voice is regularly and effectively collected and acted upon to ensure all pupils have positive experiences of being physically active.

Community Engagement Award

Eligibility: for a community voluntary sector project or program

This award honours a project or program that has made a significant impact within the community over the past 12 months. The project/programme has been thoughtfully designed, genuinely addressing the needs of participants to reduce inequalities and combat inactivity. It has been co-created with community members/participants and/or developed in collaboration with local organisations, ensuring that the voices of the community are at the forefront of its design.

The project or program has successfully increased activity levels while also positively influencing broader social factors/community impact. By breaking down barriers to participation, it has effectively tackled inactivity and fostered a more active community environment.

The nomination provides a compelling story highlighting the collaborative efforts made to identify the target audience and listen to their specific needs and enhancing community well-being through physical activity and the lasting change it creates.

Environmental Sustainability Award

Eligibility: for a club, organisation or project

This award is open to a Sussex sport/physical activity club, organisation or project that is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact (e.g. tackling greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a circular economy, increasing biodiversity) and is advocating this crucial area of work to others. Nominations should detail the extent to which clear actions have been taken to improve their environmental sustainability, and what positive environmental impact has happened as a result. Judges will also consider how this work has been used to educate and advocate for wider positive influence on the behaviour of stakeholders, internally and externally. Finally, nominations should evidence how this work has been used to improve the club/organisation’s reputation and overall sustainability (e.g. through financial savings or improved sport/physical activity participation), and how this fits into wider policies, plans or goals.

Health Improvement Award

Eligibility: for an individual or small group of individuals

This award recognises an individual or small team who have taken action to target health inequalities. They will have supported individuals or communities to improve health outcomes through physical activity, and influenced behavioural change seeing individuals manage their own health. They will have shifted the culture from traditional healthcare towards a focus on prevention and/or rehabilitation, and have supported the ongoing priorities of local statutory organisations (NHS, Public Health, Adult Social Care & Health, etc) to achieve better health outcomes for residents.

Inclusion & Diversity Award

Eligibility: for an organisation or project

This award recognises outstanding advocacy and awareness-raising efforts that address the challenges faced by marginalised communities in the realm of sports and physical activity. The nominated initiative or work undertaken exemplifies good practice by actively listening to and learning from community experiences.

The initiative/work showcased may not directly be a physical activity participation project but it will need to demonstrate a commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting understanding (i.e. it may be about increasing diversity of its workforce, changing its communication practices). It has employed innovative and creative strategies to highlight and address the barriers faced by marginalised groups to create a more inclusive environment and inspires others to engage in similar efforts.

This award celebrates the dedication to diversity and inclusion, paving the way for a more equitable future in physical activity for all.

Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Physical Activity Award

Eligibility: for an individual who has served in Sussex in a professional and/or voluntary capacity for decades.

This award recognises long-service and contribution to sport/physical activity in Sussex, in a professional and/or voluntary capacity, for decades. Nominees will be a key individual in their sport or community, and the long-standing impact of their service can be directly attributed to them as an individual, through direct work or in a leadership position. Nominations should detail the impact that they have made on their sport/community over the course of their career, but also clearly evidence recent contribution and impact.

Rising Star Award

Eligibility: for an individual of any age, who has started working and/or volunteering in the sector in recent years.

This award recognises a Rising Star at the start of their professional or voluntary career in the sport/physical activity sector. Nominations will evidence why they stand out for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their role, and detail how they create a positive and inclusive environment for participants. On their journey they will have overcome barriers and challenges, exhibiting the values of hard work, resilience and determination. They will have made a positive difference in the communities they serve and act as a role model for participants and their peers, motivating and inspiring people to move more, and nominations should detail this.

Sports Personality of the Year

Eligibility: for an athlete who lives in, or has lived in, Sussex

This award recognises a high achieving athlete who is regularly competing at the highest level in their sport. They will have achieved significant success over the past 12 months, as an individual or as part of a team. In addition to sporting success, nominations should show evidence of character and ‘giving back’, for example through coaching, mentoring or as an ambassador. Their story/journey will stand out from other nominees, be it through longevity, overcoming adversity, or defying the odds in their achievements.

Unsung Hero Award

Eligibility: for an individual in an unpaid, voluntary role.

This award recognises a volunteer who is the lifeblood of their club or community. Nominations should detail how they have demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion, and commitment to supporting sport and physical activity development within the Sussex community. Nominees will have gone above and beyond making a significant impact on their club or organisation, and inspired others to move more through their selfless contribution. Exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism by contributing countless hours to enhance the experience of participants without reward, they promote inclusivity, and foster a positive environment in sport and physical activity. Ultimately, they will have enriched the lives of others by enabling people to move more, making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people in their community.

A record breaking Sussex athlete, a unique cancer support charity, and a team working with one of the most deprived areas nationally have been recognised for their work.

The Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards, formerly known as the Sussex Sport Awards, shone a light on the incredible work going on in Sussex’s sport and physical activity sector.

The event, which took place on Thursday, November 30, at the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Hove, was organised by Active Sussex.

Read who won the 2023 awards here