NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 SPORTS AWARDS

OLYMPIA (March 15, 2022) — The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, in partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (Oly Ortho) present the fifth annual Sports Awards. The awards recognize local athletes, coaches and game changers in our community.
Community members can nominate high school, college and recreational athletes or coaches for one of seven awards. Sports community leaders and influencers are also eligible for awards.

“Sports events, games and tournaments have come back in 2022 and we are looking forward to another year of celebrating Thurston County’s sports community,” says Jeff Bowe, vice president of sales and development at the Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission. “This year, we’ve partnered with Oly Ortho to make health and wellness more of a priority than ever.”

“Oly Ortho is proud to partner with the Olympia Sports Commission and the 2022 Sports Awards. Being able to participate in the recognition of these young men and women for their dedication to their scholastic and athletic achievements is an honor for everyone at Oly Ortho,” says Lourie Roberts, chief operating officer for Olympia Orthopaedic Associates. “We are grateful to be community partners in promoting physical fitness and healthy active lifestyles to the people of Olympia and Beyond.”
Nominations are open until June 30, 2022 and can be submitted online.

Winners are chosen each year by the Sports Commission Advisory Committee comprised of local individuals who have an interest in the local sports community and reviewed by the Experience Olympia & Beyond board of directors. Nominees and winners will be recognized November 3, 2022 at a time and location to be announced.

The 2022 Sports Awards:

College Sports Star of the Year – Women’s & Men’s

One female and one male athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled any time from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022 in a full-time Thurston County college or be a native to Thurston County. Nominees must also have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one collegiate sport, and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

High School Sports Star of the Year – Girl’s & Boy’s

One female and one male athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program between Spring 2021 and Spring 2022. Nominees must have participated for a minimum of one season in at least one organized sport (high
school, club, etc.) and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

Contributor of the Year

Nominees are passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. Nominees could be coaches, persons affiliated with nonprofit organizations, individuals or major monetary donors to sports initiatives that serve to increase or improve sports access in Thurston County. Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to sports during the time between Spring 2021 and Spring 2022. Open to all ages. Sports Moment of the Year Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved national or local recognition for a sports moment that occurred from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022. Nominations should highlight an inspiring story, outstanding sportsmanship during a single event (match, game or championship) by a team or individual.

Thurston County Sports Legend

Nominees must be an individual (five years removed from High School) who resided in Thurston County for a minimum of five years and is passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. The nominee must have maintained and continue to maintain ties to Thurston County through volunteer work or philanthropy in support of the sports community. Nominees will have had a significant impact in the Thurston County sports community (prior or current collegiate or professional sports players may be included.)

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About the Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission
The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission works to support sports events bringing a significant economic impact to Thurston County through visitor spending. The sports commission is a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, the official destination marketing organization of Thurston County. A naturally inspired, approachable destination situated at the foot of Puget Sound one hour south of Seattle and two hours north of Portland by car, Washington’s capital region is perfect for hosting sports events, meetings and group tours with more than 2,800 hotel rooms and an array of venues and facilities. For more information, visit OlympiaSportsCommission.com or connect on Facebook (@OlympiaandBeyondSports).

Media Contact
Sarah Chase
Public Relations, GreenRubino for Experience Olympia & Beyond
P: 206.957.4258
E: sarahc@greenrubino.com