Nominations have officially opened for the Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards 2026, offering residents across Chichester and the wider West Sussex region the opportunity to recognise local sporting heroes.
Organised by Active Sussex, the awards celebrate the individuals, clubs, and organisations that have made a significant impact on physical activity within the county. For the 2026 cycle, ten distinct categories have been announced, reflecting a broad range of contributions from grassroots volunteering to elite performance and environmental initiatives.
The submission window is now live, and the deadline for all entries is strictly 1pm on Monday 19 October 2026. Nominations can be made by any member of the public for any eligible person or group operating within the Sussex borders.
Award Categories for 2026
The 2026 awards include several categories designed to highlight specific areas of community and environmental progress alongside traditional sporting excellence. The full list of categories for which nominations are being sought includes:
- Active School of the Year
- Community Impact Award
- Environmental Sustainability Award
- Health Improvement Award
- Diversity and Inclusion Award
- Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award
- Rising Star Award
- Sports Personality of the Year
- Play Their Way Award
- Unsung Hero Award
The Environmental Sustainability Award and the Diversity and Inclusion Award remain key focuses for the upcoming ceremony, reflecting the growing priority of these areas within the regional sporting landscape. The “Play Their Way” category specifically recognises those who have fostered a positive, child-first environment in youth sport.
How to Submit a Nomination
Prospective nominators are encouraged to provide detailed evidence of the nominee’s achievements and the impact they have had on their local community or sport. Information regarding eligibility and the online submission process can be found on the Active Sussex website.
While the specific venue for the 2026 ceremony has not yet been finalised, the event has historically been a major fixture in the county’s sporting calendar. The 2025 awards ceremony was held at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove, where numerous coaches and volunteers from across West Sussex were among those honoured.
Organisers have clarified that these regional awards are distinct from university-specific sporting accolades and are open to the entire Sussex community, including schools, independent clubs, and individual athletes.
