Nominations Open for 2023 Sports Awards
OLYMPIA (June 2, 2023) — The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, in partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates present the sixth annual Sports Awards. The awards recognize local athletes, coaches and game changers in our community.
Community members can nominate high school, collegiate and recreational athletes or coaches for one of seven awards. Sports community leaders and influencers are also eligible for awards.
“Sports Awards celebrate an active and engaged sports community here in Thurston County. We continue to be proud of the work that the Sports Commission does to promote our region as a sports destination,” Jeff Bowe, Vice President of Sales and Development at the Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission said. “Sports events and tournaments supported by the Sports Commission represented $1.8 million in economic impact for Thurston County in 2022.”
Nominations are open until July 31, 2023 and can be submitted online.
Winners are chosen each year by the Sports Commission Advisory Committee, which is comprised of individuals who have ties to the local sports community. All nominees and winners will be recognized at a banquet in the fall.
The 2023 Sports Awards:
Star of the Year – College Women’s Sports
Star of the Year – College Men’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled any time from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023 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.
Star of the Year – High School Girl’s Sports
Star of the Year – High School Boy’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program between Spring 2022 and Spring 2023. 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.
Sports 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 2022 and Spring 2023. Open to all ages.
Sports Moment of the Year
Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved local, regional or national recognition for a sports moment that occurred from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023. Nominations should highlight an inspiring story or an outstanding achievement by either a team or individual having ties to Thurston County.
Thurston County Sports Legend
Nominees must be an individual (five years removed from High School) who has 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 philanthropic events, volunteer activity or financial donations to support sports in the 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
Melissa Elkins
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Experience Olympia & Beyond
P: 360-704-7544
E: melissa@experienceolympia.com