Henrico's Lemons among honorees at RVA Sports Awards

A former Henrico High School football player who has inspired the community after being paralyzed during a game was among the honorees at the third-annual RVA Sports Awards Feb. 3 in Richmond. The event recognized the region's sports community and key achievements and was hosted by entrepreneur Kelli Lemon and CBS-6 Sports Director Lane Casadonte.

Samar Lemons, who suffered a life-threatening injury during his senior football season, received the RVA Sports Courage Award. Lemons recently created a radio show with local radio personality Mike King called “The Lemon Drop” to share his journey of overcoming a spinal cord injury with other athletes dealing with similar situations.

Other winners were:

• Athlete of the Year – Rilee Baughan, Randolph Macon softball;

• Male Athlete of the Year – Tristan Wheeler, University of Richmond football;

• Coach of the Year – Cheryl Groce-Wright, Sports Backers marathon training;

• Event Impact of the Year – Tri-City Chili Peppers' baseball Faulkner fundraiser;

• Moment of the Year – Joshua Parker, Collegiate High School soccer, Virginia State championship winning goal;

• Team of the Year – Virginia Union University football;

• Youth Athlete of the Year – Isaac Lamprecht, triathlete, New Kent High School;

• Youth Team of the Year – Hanover High School baseball team;

• Community Champion Honoree, Dominion Energy – Tony Squires, Squires Basketball.

Grant award winners of up to $2,500 were announced at the award show and included: Sportable; Special Olympics of Virginia; Live Red Foundation; Virginia Capital Trail; FutsalRVA; Metropolitan Junior Baseball League; Richmond Fencing Club; Sports Backers; Elite5050 Basketball; RVA ESports; Collegiate Running Association; Virginia Boat Club; Richmond Road Runners; SwimRVA; Kids On First Foundation; James River Rowers; Strive for Perfection Athletics; Glen Allen Youth Athletic AssociationChesterfield Baseball Club; Commonwealth Basketball Group.

The proceeds from the event will go toward the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation's Sports Tourism Grant initiative, which aims to distribute grants to local sports organizations that work to develop new events and expand existing ones in order to attract more visitors to the region.

More than 500 guests attended the event. A replay is available at https://www.wtvr.com/on-air/watch-2024-rva-sports-awards.