Orkney’s sporting stars and the dedicated people who support them are set to receive some well deserved recognition as nominations open for the 2026 Orkney Sports Awards.
The awards, announced on Monday 26 October, celebrate the achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and teams across the islands, with nominations open until midnight on Sunday 15 November.
Organised by Orkney Islands Council’s Sport and Leisure Service in partnership with sportscotland, the annual celebration recognises the contribution sport makes to island life.
From promising young competitors to experienced athletes representing their clubs and communities, the awards offer an opportunity to recognise those who have made an impression during the past year.
Just as importantly, they celebrate the coaches, officials and volunteers whose commitment makes sporting opportunities possible.
There are ten categories this year, covering individual achievement, team performances, coaching, volunteering and club development.
Sportsperson of the Year and Young Sportsperson of the Year will recognise outstanding individual achievements, with the younger category open to those aged 18 and under.
Team of the Year and Young Team of the Year will celebrate collective success, while Performance of the Year offers recognition for a particularly memorable sporting achievement.
Coach of the Year and Official of the Year will acknowledge the knowledge, encouragement and dedication that help athletes and competitions thrive.
Volunteer of the Year and School Sports Volunteer of the Year will recognise individuals who give their time to support sport within clubs, schools and communities.
Club of the Year completes the awards, recognising the wider contribution sporting organisations make across Orkney.
The awards are intended to celebrate achievement at different levels, ensuring recognition extends beyond those competing in the spotlight.
For island communities, where sporting clubs often depend on considerable volunteer effort, that recognition can be especially meaningful.
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said:
“Every year we’re incredibly impressed by the achievements of Orkney’s athletes, and by those working behind the scenes to make it all happen.
“These awards are the community’s chance to say thank you to the people who give so much to sport in Orkney, so whether it’s a young athlete, a coach, or a volunteer who’s always there, I’d encourage you to put their name forward.”
Nominations can be submitted online through the Orkney Islands Council website, where the selection criteria for each category are also available.
The closing date is midnight on Sunday 15 November, giving clubs, families, teammates and members of the public an opportunity to put forward someone deserving of recognition.
Finalists will be announced through the council’s website, social media channels and The Orcadian.
The winners will then be revealed at an awards ceremony in January 2027.
For anyone who knows an athlete who has excelled, a coach who has inspired others or a volunteer who quietly keeps a club running, the awards provide a chance to acknowledge their contribution.
And sometimes, a simple nomination is a meaningful way of saying thank you.
Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 15 November and can be made at www.orkney.gov.uk/sportsawards, where you’ll also find the selection criteria for each category.
