Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, in partnership with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, presents the seventh annual Sports Awards. The awards recognize local athletes, coaches, and game-changers within Thurston County. 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.
“We’re excited about the momentum that the Sports Awards event brings to our sports community every year. A community united by sports at all levels is one also connected to the health and wellness of its residents,” Annette Pitts, CEO at Experience Olympia & Beyond said. “I encourage our community to nominate early and often and let’s take time this November to celebrate our accomplishments!”
Nominations are open until July 31, 2024, 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 this fall.
The 2024 Sports Awards
Collegiate Sports Star of the Year – Women’s Sports
Collegiate Sports Star of the Year – Men’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled any time from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024 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 Sports
High School Sports Star of the Year – Boy’s Sports
Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program between Spring 2023 and Spring 2024. 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, people 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 2023 and Spring 2024. Open to all ages.
Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved local, regional, or national recognition for a sports moment that occurred from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024. Nominations should highlight an inspiring story or an outstanding achievement by either a team or an individual having ties to Thurston County.
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).
