2023 Award Categories
Celebrate their impact on our community
The RVA Sports Awards honor local athletic achievements from 2023 and honor those who aim to better the Richmond Region through sport.
Female Athlete of the Year - Given to a local female athlete who is currently participating in amateur, high school, collegiate or professional sports. This athlete exemplifies all the positive aspects of sport and has made a positive impact on the Richmond community in 2023.
Male Athlete of the Year - Given to a local male athlete who is currently participating in amateur, high school, collegiate or professional sports. This athlete exemplifies all the positive aspects of sport and has made a positive impact on the Richmond community in 2023.
Team of the Year - Given to a team who is currently participating in amateur, high school, collegiate or professional sports. This team exemplifies all the positive aspects of sport and has made a positive impact on the Richmond community in 2023.
Coach of the Year - Given to a male or female coach who is currently or has been a coach in amateur, high school, collegiate or professional sports. This coach exemplifies all the positive aspects of sport and has made a positive impact on the Richmond community in 2022.
Moment of the Year - Given to the participants in a moment in the past year that energized RVA sports fans, displayed remarkable athletic skill or demonstrated incredible sportsmanship.
Fan of the Year – Given to a local fan who inspires others through their love of a particular sport, team, athlete, etc. and displays a high level of sportsmanship in their fandom.
Community Champion Award - Given to an individual sports fan, volunteer or advocate that has made a public and longstanding commitment to sports in the Richmond community and is committed to bettering the region through sports. The winner is determined by a distinguished panel.
The Power of Sport Award – Presented to an athlete, coach, administrator or executive who has used sport as a vehicle to drive social change. This national award will highlight an individual in the world of sports who generates positive community impact, uplifts underserved citizens, creates access through diversity and inclusion, and fights for social injustice inside and outside the realm of competition
Courage Story – Presented to an individual, group, or organization that has shown extraordinary courage and/or whose commitment to the Richmond community “transcends sports".
The Award Process
Public nominations will be open from September 15, 2023 to December 1, 2023 for the Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Fan of the Year, and Moment of the Year. Anyone currently playing, coaching, or ‘cheering’ in the Richmond Region or a collegiate or professional athlete or coach that is from Richmond and/or attended high school or college in the Region is eligible to be nominated.
A distinguished representation of local sports media will choose the top three finalists in each category and fan voting will take place from December 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024 at CBS 6. Fan voting will represent 75% of the final points total, while the distinguished panel of local sports media will represent 25% of the final points total. Winners will be announced at the 2023 RVA Sports Awards Show on February 3, 2024.
