Nominations open for RVA Sports Awards

A new sports awards show for Metro Richmond is seeking nominations for its inaugural event.

Nominations are open through Dec. 1 for the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s RVA Sports Awards. Winners will be honored at the RVA Sports Awards at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Feb. 5, 2022.

The regionwide event is presented by Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and Colonial Downs and honors people working to better the region through sports.

Nomination categories include:
• Techno Branded Swag Female Athlete of the Year
• SouthState Male Athlete of the Year
• Synergy Technical Team of the Year
• Brown Distributing Coach of the Year
• Rebkee Moment of the Year

Athletes and coaches participating in all levels of sports – from youth leagues and high schools to colleges and the professional ranks – in the Richmond region and athletes who are from the area can be nominated.

Three finalists for each public voting category will be announced on Dec. 15 and public voting will begin at WTVR.com.

“The Richmond Region is known for sports and full of champions,” said J.C. Poma, Richmond Region Tourism’s vice president of community relations. “Sports helps build community pride and celebrates diversity. We can’t wait to honor those making a difference in our region at next year’s event. Please consider nominating an outstanding athlete, coach or moment today.”

The Feb. 5 event also will include the Power of Sport Award presented by VCU Center for Sport Leadership, recognizing an athlete, coach, administrator or executive who uses sport as a vehicle to drive change. The national honor will highlight a sports figure who generates positive community impact, uplifts underserved residents, creates access through diversity and inclusion, and fights for social justice inside and outside the realm of competition.

Organizers will also announce The Dominion Energy Community Champion, given to someone that has made a longstanding commitment to sports in the Richmond community and is bettering the region through sports.

Proceeds from the RVA Sports Awards support the Foundation’s Sports Tourism Grant initiative, which distributes grants to local sports organizations to develop new events and expand the promotion of existing events to attract new visitors to the region.

The event also will fund a scholarship program to support two annual scholarships for students at Virginia State University’s Sports and Hospitality Management Program and in the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Richmond Region Tourism and works to advance the impact and benefit of tourism in the region by investing in local education, diversity and education and sports tourism programs.

“Whether it’s in the stands or sidelines, sports brings people together and builds a stronger community,” said Todd “Parney” Parnell, Flying Squirrels CEO. “The RVA Sports Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate those who help unite us.”

For details about tickets, tables, and sponsorships, or to make award nominations, visit www.RVASportsAwards.com.