Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards

Nominations for the Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2023 are now open!

Click here to nominate, by 12pm (noon) on Friday, October 27.

The finalists will be announced on Friday, November 3, 2023, and invited to a special awards ceremony on Thursday, November 30, where the winners will be announced.

Categories and Criteria

Active School of the Year: This award is open to primary and secondary schools which engage pupils in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Nominations should detail how the school uses physical activity to support wider school priorities, such as attainment, attendance, behaviour or health, as well as how the school targets ‘less active’ demographics. Nominations should evidence how the school uses pupil voice to ensure opportunities are demand-led and encourage physical activity both beyond the school day and for life, and how the quality and sustainability of opportunities are always considered to ensure they lead to positive experiences. In addition to pupils, the school should support other stakeholders (parents, staff, local community) to regularly participate in physical activity.

Community Engagement Award: This award will shine the spotlight on an exemplary organisation, project or initiative that has tackling inequalities in physical activity at its heart. The winner should have a clearly identified audience and evidence how it has specifically targeted this community. Over the last 12 months they will have shown adaptability, creativity and innovation to overcome challenges. They will be able to demonstrate how it has engaged a group in physical activity who would otherwise have been physically inactive.

Environmental Sustainability Award: This award is open to a Sussex sport/physical activity club, organisation or project that is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact and advocate 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: This award will recognise the outstanding contribution of a Sussex-based health professional or small team in supporting residents into physical activity. This could have involved prescribing, funding, promoting or otherwise supporting physical activity. During the last 12 months they will have taken action to target health inequalities. They will have either shifted the culture of their organisation towards a greater emphasis on preventative health, and changed the behaviour of individuals to manage their own health. They have been creative in how they achieve this change.

Inclusion & Diversity Award (sponsored by Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP): This award recognises an organisation or community group that has worked with people from underrepresented or marginalised communities to reduce inequalities through sport/physical activity. They have worked hard to remove barriers, improve access to opportunities and create positive experiences, be it through participation, or even volunteering. The work undertaken could include the general approach to all-round inclusivity or be focused on specific project(s) to increase diversity. It will have championed, inspired or empowered underrepresented communities, delivering activities appropriate to their needs and resulting in increased participation or sustained engagement during the past 12 months.

Outstanding Contribution to Sport & Physical Activity: Honouring a current paid or recently retired professional who has made a major impact on the world of sport and/or physical activity in Sussex during their lifetime which may also include having worked in a voluntary capacity. Evidence will demonstrate that this person has been a key “mover and shaker” over the years, driving change and influencing policy.  They will be well respected having mentored and supported colleagues over their career.  Evidence will demonstrate the extent of the nominee’s contribution including their recent commitment and length of service/commitment. This person will not have received this award or the previously titled ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ before.

Rising Star Award: This award recognises the brilliance and potential of individuals who are at the early stages of their career yet are already making significant waves within sport and physical activity. The rising star will have shown outstanding commitment and dedication to their role, as well as the appetite to learn and constantly improve. They have overcome barriers and challenges on their journey, exhibiting the values of hard work, resilience, and determination. They have made a difference in the communities they serve and act as a role model for participants and their peers, exhibiting exceptional promise during the early stages of their career. By highlighting their achievements, the Rising Star Award encourages individuals to continue their journey of growth and excellence, and continue to make a difference.

Sports Personality of the Year: This prestigious award will be given to the sportsperson who has displayed an outstanding level of achievement over the last year either as an individual or as part of a team and is competing at a consistently high level in their chosen sport. Supporting evidence must clearly specify their level of achievement and give an indication of where the nominee is ranked in their sport. Non-playing coaches or management are not eligible. Information on the person’s character and any additional activity such as coaching and being an ambassador will be taken into account.

Volunteer of the Year: The Volunteer of the Year is unpaid and could volunteer within sport and/or physical activity. They are a volunteer who gives unconditional support to their sport, club or organisation, dedicating great time and effort, often ‘behind the scenes’. They may undertake one or several roles within an organisation and are crucial to the smooth running of that organisation. With devotion and professionalism, they do not seek reward but their efforts over the past year mean they are more than deserving of this accolade. Supporting evidence must make reference to the level of commitment given by this person in both quality and quantity, as well demonstrating the impact that this had on their community. Judges will be looking for volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their role in the past year.

Nominations guidance and rules is available here.

Click here to nominate, by 12pm (noon) on Friday, October 27.